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21 January 2015
OSA Applauds President Obama's Continued Support for Innovation, Manufacturing and Research in Last Night's State of the Union Address
OSA Applauds President Obama's Continued Support for Innovation, Manufacturing and Research in Last Night's State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2015—The Optical Society (OSA) today commended U.S. President Barack Obama for his continued commitment to basic science funding and advanced manufacturing initiatives -- as well as his recognition of the fact that those investments enjoy broad bipartisan support. In response to last night's State of the Union address, OSA CEO Elizabeth Rogan released the following statement:
"Last night President Obama continued his support for research and development (R&D), launching a new Precision Medicine Initiative and mentioning the future of manufacturing jobs in America. He also recognized the fact that there is strong bipartisan support for basic research, which provides a solid foundation for improving the economy and making a better, safer and brighter future for everyone -- not just in America but for the benefit of the human race as a whole."
"Future technologies discovered as the fruit of investment in optics and photonics will grow businesses, create jobs and revolutionize industries ranging from energy to health care to telecom to defense. A huge step was taken last month with the passage of H.R. 2996, the bipartisan Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (RAMI), and we look forward to the selection of new national high-tech manufacturing hubs in the coming months and years."
"OSA continues to work with its partners on the National Photonics Initiative to support advances such as cheaper solar power, high-efficiency lighting, nuclear threat identification, better medical imaging and treatment and new optical technologies that will support the Internet’s growth. We urge both the Administration and the U.S. Congress to develop and assert a cohesive strategy to realize the promise of U.S. leadership in scientific research and advanced manufacturing.”
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.
