PNNL: The growing body of research on near infrared and how it could change lighting practice
Recorded On: 08/20/2026
-
Register
- Non-member - $39
- Member - $20
About this Course and Tool
The IES offers Educational Webinars throughout the year, purposefully spanning a broad range of topics and speaker expertise.
Description: The “circadian era” of lighting has challenged lighting specifiers to expand beyond vision and aesthetics to account for how light can affect physiological wellbeing. Now the industry is beginning to learn that wellbeing isn’t just influenced by blue light, but also far red and near infrared (NIR) radiation. New products, bold claims, and nascent science offer an intriguing story of how an NIR-rich spectrum like sunlight could improve cognition, boost mood, reduce pain, repair tissue, and more. This presentation introduces the science of photobiomodulation, outlining what is currently known and what could change in the future. It also covers how lighting practice might change, and what to watch for as the science emerges.
Key:
Complete
Next
Failed
Available
LockedMichael P. Royer
Engineer
PNNL
Dr. Michael Royer is a chief engineer at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where he leads the lighting research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. He conducts experiments to help refine metrics and specification guidance, with the ultimate goals of advancing lighting quality to improve building occupants’ satisfaction and wellbeing while increasing the use of energy efficient lighting technologies. Michael is a Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and serves on the IES Vision Science committee and the IES Color committee. Prior to joining PNNL, Michael earned a Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering from Penn State University. He has authored over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and government reports.
Dave Pfund
Senior Vice President of Research & Product Management
The Lighting Quotient (LiQ)
Dave Pfund is an innovation-driven lighting industry thought leader focused on technologies that advance personal well-being and sustainable building initiatives. Dave is passionate about lighting science, biological and psychological responses to light, and related health impacts. In his current role as Senior Vice President of Research and Product Management at The Lighting Quotient, Dave is the chief science and technology advisor for the development of luminaires that enhance user health and well-being.