Advancement of Optical Methods & Digital Image Correlation in Experimental Mechanics, Volume 2 of the Proceedings of the 2025 SEM Annual Conference & Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, the second volume of five from the Conference, brings together contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on a wide range of optical methods ranging from traditional photoelasticity and interferometry, DIC and DVC techniques, and newer advances in photonics. Included are papers in the following general technical research areas:

• DIC/DVC Applications and Challenges
• DIC/DVC Methods
• Photoelasticity and Fringe Analysis
• Session to celebrate the retirement of Prof. Fu-Pen Chiang of Stonybrook University
• Optical Methods in Industrial Applications
• Interferometry and Photonic Methods in Experimental Mechanics
• Advancement of Optical Methods