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26 April 2017
The Optical Society Members and Leaders Participate in Global March for Science
26 April 2017
The Optical Society Members and Leaders Participate in Global
March for Science
The leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs in the science of light walked with others around the world to advocate for science education and funding
WASHINGTON — Held on 22 April, the March for Science took place in over 600 cities around the globe. Over 250 organizations including, The Optical Society (OSA), connected for this non-partisan celebration of the value of science and scientific inquiry. Fundamental optical research in the last century and key inventions, such as the laser, helped establish the basic science foundation that today enables high speed internet, GPS, smartphones and many other advances in society. Long-term research funding investments will impact tomorrow’s transformational technologies and OSA members are at forefront of this research.
“I chose to participate in the March for Science because I wanted to show my support for scientists around the world that do exceptional work every day,” stated OSA Board member and CEO, Inrad Optics, Amy Eskilson. “Science has the power to create jobs in research and manufacturing. For all of our employees, from our PhD scientists to our production floor trainees, the connection between science and their work is paramount.”
2017 President of OSA, Eric Mazur echoed those sentiments “For me, it’s an opportunity to reflect,” said Mazur. “When I think of the events that have led up to this March for Science, I think we should use it as a chance not only to stand up for science, but also to reflect on how the science community needs to better educate society about science’s impact on our daily lives.”
OSA student member and PhD candidate at George Washington University, Aleks Klimas, explained “I participated in the March for Science to advocate for science funding. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Biomedical Engineering and I would like to continue with a career in scientific research. Grant funding is critically important to the advancement of my career and my research.”
Science is a highly integrated, global enterprise that relies on hundreds of thousand scientists, engineers, and skilled staff to make incremental contributions to our knowledge each day. OSA members who participated in the March for Science emphasized optimistic and hopeful scientific outcomes serving the greater good on a path to a better tomorrow: disease eradication, further exploration of the universe and long-term environmental sustainability.
About The Optical Society
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. For more information, visit osa.org.
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