The idea of organizing a national school on optical biosensors and biophotonics originates from an initiative of the Optical Biosensors and Biophotonics Working Group of the Italian Society of Optics and Photonics (SIOF). Established in 2009 under the guidance of Francesco Baldini and Luca De Stefano, the school aimed to evolve into a highly interdisciplinary hub at the Italian level, encompassing all scientific domains associated with biophotonics and optical biosensing.

The inspiration for the national school was drawn from the international course ASCOS (Advanced Study Course on Optical Chemical Sensors), established in 1999 by Prof. Wolfbeis. Since then ASCOS has become a biennial landmark at the European level.

The first edition of the National School on Optical Biosensors and Biophotonics took place in Ischia from September 25 to October 1, 2010. The school was directed by Francesco Baldini, Luca De Stefano, and Ivo Rendina and attracted the participation of 18 students from various academic disciplines. Similar to the ASCOS courses, the school went beyond traditional lectures by incorporating group work for the students. Students, organized into small interdisciplinary groups, were assigned a specific problem to solve at the beginning of the school. They were then required to present their solutions on the final day of the course.
All the following editions have retained the same structure.

Otranto, 15-20 September 2014. The Otranto edition, having as school directors Francesco Baldini, Romeo Bernini, Luca De Stefano, and Roberto Rella,  attracted the participation of 31 students.

Napoli, 11-15 dicembre 2017. The Naples edition, under the direction of Francesco Baldini, Romeo Bernini, Luca De Stefano, and Roberto Rella, had 23 participating students.