Welcome to the IEEE UK and Ireland Photonics Chapter. The UK and Ireland Photonics Society is a sub-chapter of the Photonics Society of the IEEE, whose field of interest is in lasers, optical and photonic devices, optical fibres and associated lightwave technology, and their systems and applications. The Society is concerned with transforming the science of materials, optical phenomena, and quantum electronic devices into the design, development, and manufacture of photonic technologies. We promote and co-operate in the educational and technical activities which contribute to the useful expansion of the field of quantum optoelectronics and applications. Bridging societies This is a particularly critical time for the UK as it prepares to leave the European Union after almost half a century. In the coming years it is more important than ever before that we promote the virtue and value of collaborative engineering, science and technology not only across all educational and technical sectors of our countries, but also at the highest levels of government. Photonics represents an emerging technology field that will provide crucial advancements to many key sectors including communication, medicine, automotive, computing, lighting, sensors, renewable energy and defense. The UK and Ireland are well placed to exploit photonics in order to enhance our collective ability to compete on the global stage in this increasingly relevant and competitive field. We continue this joint society in the spirit of international scientific partnership, which must endure.