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18 July 2014
The Optical Society Applauds U.S. National Science Foundation for Encouraging Optics and Photonics Research Proposals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lyndsay Meyer
The Optical Society
+1.202.416.1435
lmeyer@osa.org
The Optical Society Applauds U.S. National Science Foundation for Encouraging Optics and Photonics Research Proposals
WASHINGTON, July 18, 2014—The Optical Society (OSA) today praised the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for issuing a “Dear Colleague” letter encouraging research proposals in the area of optics and photonics in Fiscal Year 2015. As stated in the letter, “It is a critical time for the National Science Foundation (NSF) to ensure support of fundamental research and disruptive optical technologies that will strongly benefit the nation’s scientific and economic health as well as its future workforce.” OSA CEO Elizabeth Rogan issued the following statement in response to the letter:
“The NSF, which funds nearly a quarter of all federally-aided basic research projects at colleges and universities in the U.S., is emphasizing the critical importance of optics and photonics research. Their letter demonstrates a growing awareness among government officials that optics and photonics are ‘key enabling technologies’ that have a profound impact on the economy and society. We thank the NSF for their continued support of this type of research.
“With OSA’s headquarters in D.C., our ability to effectively demonstrate the value of optics and photonics to government audiences is greatly enhanced. OSA hosts leaders in government, industry and academia through OSA Incubator Meetings and through OIDA workshops. As a founding member of the National Photonics Initiative (NPI), OSA and the NPI partners continue to showcase the significance and broad effect of our community’s research and development efforts to NSF and other key federal agencies.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: The full text of the NSF Dear Colleague Letter is available on the NSF website. While the letter is dated June 25, 2014, the letter was released to the public July 17, 2014.
About OSA
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional society for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-world applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership programs, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of professionals in optics and photonics. For more information, visit www.osa.org.
