About
30 September 2016
Congressional Resolutions Recognize The Optical Society’s Centennial
30 September 2016
Congressional Resolutions Recognize The Optical Society’s Centennial
WASHINGTON — Senator Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y. have introduced resolutions in the United States Senate and House of Representatives commemorating The Optical Society’s (OSA) centennial celebration. The resolutions reaffirm the crucial role that optics and photonics have played over the past 100 years and the influence they have on the U.S. economy and everyday lives. The resolutions also herald the importance of continued investment in fundamental optics and photonics research.
“We applaud Senator Schumer and Congresswoman Slaughter for introducing these resolutions as part of the optics community’s celebrating 100 years of innovation with our centennial,” said Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society. “Their continued support of our industry demonstrates the important role optics and photonics plays in the keeping the U.S. competitive in the global marketplace, strengthening national security and securing our role as a scientific leader.”
U.S. Congresswoman Slaughter said, “The Optical Society has grown dramatically from just nine scientists in Rochester back in 1916 to more than 19,000 members in more than 100 countries today. Along the way, they have been a driving force in advancing the optics and photonics technologies that are revolutionizing key industries and growing our economy. I’m proud to have worked side by side with The Optical Society as we made Rochester home to the largest photonics cluster in the world. As we mark The Optical Society’s 100th anniversary, I know they are well positioned for another century of discovery.”
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “One hundred years ago in Rochester, NY nine scientists from Eastman Kodak, Bausch & Lomb and the University of Rochester gathered to found what has since grown to become The Optical Society (OSA), the leading professional association in optics and photonics. In the ensuing decades, OSA has pushed the frontiers of optics and photonics and connected scientists, engineers, students, and entrepreneurs who used the science of light to fuel new discoveries and life-changing technologies. I’ve been proud to partner with OSA to help advance this field with the creation of the AIM Photonics institute that will light a path to new technology, jobs, and investment. Today, as The Optical Society celebrates its 100th Anniversary I commend and congratulate OSA for its many achievements to advance the study and application of optics and photonics.”
In addition to the resolution celebrating OSA’s Centennial, both Sen. Schumer and Rep. Slaughter have been leading advocates for optics and photonics. They were key proponents of the new American Industry for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics), an industry driven public-private partnership that focuses the nation’s premiere capabilities and expertise to capture critical global manufacturing leadership in a technology that is both essential to National security and positioned to provide a compelling return-on-investment to the U.S. economy.
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/100.
Media Contacts:
mediarelations@osa.org
