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12 September 2015
Nobel Laureates Headline U.S. Celebration of The International Year of Light
Nobel Laureates Headline U.S. Celebration of The International Year of Light
Washington – The National Science Foundation and six U.S.-based global scientific societies, including The Optical Society, hosted “Light for a Better World: A Celebration of U.S. Innovation” at the National Academy of Sciences on Saturday, September 12, 2015. The event was part of the International Year of Light, a year-long celebration raising global awareness of how light-based technologies provide solutions to a variety of global challenges. The program drew hundreds of attendees to join a discussion about the United States’ role in developing innovative light-based technologies and featuring two Nobel Prize Laureates in physics and chemistry.
“It is inspiring to see this global initiative continuing to raise awareness among the peoples of the world about the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives,” said Dr. France Córdova, Director of the National Science Foundation in her opening remarks. “This celebration today offers a unique opportunity to inspire, educate and connect people and institutions on a national scale.”
Keynote speakers included 2014 Nobel Prize winner in Physics, Dr. Shuji Nakamura, discussed Blue LEDs and the Future of Lighting, 2014 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, Dr. Eric Betzig, shared his work with super high-resolution microscopy, General Manager of Global Product Development for GE Lighting Gerald Duffy spoke about trends in solid-state lighting and how it will affect the world, and CEO of the American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated (AIM) Photonics, Michael Liehr discussed the role AIM Photonics will play in solidifying U.S. leadership role in the field of optics and photonics.
“The science of light is driving new innovations in research and development,” said Dr. Betzig. “Events like tonight are a great opportunity to discuss the progress that’s been made and demonstrate how optics and photonics are being used to create a better and more sustainable world for everyone.”
About the International Year of Light
The International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies (IYL 2015) is a global initiative adopted to raise awareness of how optical technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to worldwide challenges in energy, education, agriculture, communications and health. The goal of IYL 2015 is to highlight to the citizens of the world the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives, for their futures and for the development of society.
The U.S. celebration was sponsored by the U.S. International Year of Light Organizing Committee: National Science Foundation, National Academy of Sciences, The Optical Society, American Institute of Physics, American Physical Society, IEEE Photonics Society and SPIE.
Follow the Optical Society on Twitter and Facebook for photos from the event and learn more about the International Year of Light by visiting www.light2015.org.
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