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03 February 2015
OSA Presents 2015 Advocate of Optics Recognition to Congressman Tom Reed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
Contact: OSA Media Relations
OSA Presents 2015 Advocate of Optics Recognition to Congressman Tom Reed
WASHINGTON, Feb. 03, 2015—The Optical Society (OSA) has presented its 2015 Advocate of Optics recognition to U.S. Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY). Reed was selected for leadership in developing and passing a key advanced manufacturing bill that will be of great benefit to not only optics and photonics but to the economy as a whole.
Congressman Tom Reed sponsored and led efforts to pass the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (RAMI), which authorizes the creation of several Centers for Manufacturing Innovation. These Manufacturing Centers are regional hubs, operated through public-private partnerships with the goal of closing the gap between basic research and product development. Language in the bill includes optics and photonics as technologies for Manufacturing Center consideration. The RAMI Act was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by U.S. President Barack Obama in December 2014.
"Congressman Reed's accomplishment, in the passing of the RAMI bill, reflects his commitment to creating impactful change through investments in high-tech manufacturing," said OSA CEO Elizabeth Rogan. "Job creation is critical in the growth of the economy; and optics and photonics, which are key enabling technologies, provide new and cost effective solutions to accomplish that goal.”
To be recognized as an OSA Advocate of Optics, a public official must have a record consistent with his or her support of science, optics and photonics and be an enthusiastic advocate for science policy issues, with particular regard to the advancement of the science of light.
About OSA
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. OSA is a founding partner of the National Photonics Initiative and the 2015 International Year of Light. For more information, visit www.osa.org.
