Dr. Matej B. Kobav is an Assistant Professor at the Lighting and Photometry Laboratory, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana. He began his academic career there as a teaching assistant and later completed his PhD under joint supervision at the University of Ljubljana and INSA Lyon. His research focuses on lighting and photometry, including measurements, light simulations, daylight use in buildings, and the non-visual effects of light on humans. He serves as Secretary General of the Slovenian Lighting Society and the Slovenian NC of the CIE, and is active in several CIE technical committees.

Talk Abstract

In 2007, Slovenia adopted the Decree on Limit Values for Light Pollution of the Environment, one of the first national regulations in Europe addressing outdoor lighting. This lecture presents the key requirements of the decree, including limits on upward light output, restrictions on illuminated surfaces, curfews for decorative lighting, and energy efficiency criteria for public lighting installations. Particular emphasis is placed on the mandatory use of fully shielded luminaires and the reduction of installed power per capita.

The presentation also examines measurable impacts since implementation. Public lighting electricity consumption has decreased significantly due to improved efficiency and optimised operating hours. At the same time, upward light emissions and skyglow levels have been reduced, contributing to improved night sky visibility, enhanced environmental protection, and lower operating costs for municipalities.

Dr. Carolin Liedtke is a Professor of Lighting Technology at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg). She teaches lighting-related subjects within media technology, including colourimetry, applied lighting measurement, and practical lighting for stage, studio, and architectural contexts. Her research focuses on spatial lighting parameters, sustainable lighting solutions, and immersive lighting environments. She is a member of the German National Committee of the CIE, LiTG e.V., and DfwG e.V. At HAW Hamburg, she leads the EU Interreg North Sea DARKER SKY project team and co-leads the project’s Light Pollution Mapping Framework, supporting pilot projects in Hamburg and advancing co-design approaches with local stakeholders.

Talk Abstract

This contribution introduces the DARKER SKY project within the EU Interreg North Sea Region programme, outlining its scope, partner network, and core objectives aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of artificial light at night. It presents the project’s pilot structure and integrated Monitoring Framework, which combines biodiversity, lighting, and sociological monitoring methods. Policy approaches addressing obtrusive light in the participating regions—France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark—are discussed to highlight differing regulatory landscapes. The presentation also showcases co-design approaches developed for municipal and regional stakeholders, along with methodologies for sky brightness assessment and applied outdoor lighting measurements. Finally, key challenges and lessons learned are summarised, offering insights for European municipalities and the wider scientific community working towards more sustainable lighting practices.

Prof. Zielińska-Dąbkowska is a chartered RIBA architect and award-winning lighting designer. She is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture, Gdansk University of Technology (GUT), co-founder of GUT LightLab, and director of ILLUME. Her research focuses on light and lighting in the built environment. She is actively engaged with international organisations including the IALD, IES, CIE, and IDA, and has published articles in journals such as Nature and Science.

Prof. Mike Wood holds the Chair in Applied Ecology at the University of Salford. Over the past two decades, he has studied how pollutants affect biodiversity and ecosystems, developing frameworks and tools to assess and manage these impacts. While his early research focused on heavy metals and radionuclides, his work has expanded to noise and, more recently, light pollution. He currently leads the EC-funded PLAN-B project, investigating the effects of light and noise on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Talk Abstract

The EC-funded PLAN-B project explores the impacts of artificial light on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems. Covering both the fundamental mechanisms of impact and innovative solutions to prevent or mitigate them, the project aims to support sustainable management of light pollution. A recent development form the PLAN-B project is an extensive review of biodiversity and ecosystem services responses to anthropogenic light in the environment. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the project’s outcomes, progress, and key findings, highlighting their implications for conservation, mitigation strategies, and sustainable management of illuminated environments.