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17 April 2018
The Optical Society Celebrates International Day of Light on 16 May
17 April 2018
The Optical Society Celebrates International Day of Light on 16 May
The International Day of Light seeks to celebrate achievements in the science of light and raise awareness for its contribution to humanity
WASHINGTON – The Optical Society (OSA) supports the UNESCO endorsement of the International Day of Light on 16 May and is a founding member of the International Day of Light’s Steering Committee. OSA will celebrate the International Day of Light with a special plenary session at CLEO, teach-ins with local sections and student chapters and an innovative exhibition at ARTECHOUSE, Washington, D.C.
On 20 December 2013 the United Nations declared 2015 the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015). IYL 2015 was a United Nations observance that raised global awareness of the achievements of optical sciences, their applications and their importance to humankind. The International Day of Light provides an enduring follow-up to the International Year of Light in raising the profile of science and technology, stimulating education, and improving the quality of life worldwide. An official inauguration ceremony will take place 16 May 2018 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, involving presentations from Nobel laureates and other scientists and industry leaders.
Special CLEO Plenary Session: CLEO will feature a special International Day of Light plenary session with Nobel Laureate Dr. John Mather, NASA Goddard Fellow and JWST Senior Scientist, and a live-streamed presentation of his talk "Exploring the Universe at the Speed of Light." For more information, visit cleoconference.com. CLEO is co-sponsored by The Optical Society (OSA), IEEE Photonics Society (IEEE PS) and the American Physical Society (APS).
Experience Optics and Photonics in Art: ARTECHOUSE, Washington, DC's first innovative art space dedicated to arts and technology, is joining forces with The Optical Society (OSA), American Institute of Physics (AIP) and American Physical Society (APS) to present an innovative exhibition celebrating the first International Day of Light on 16 May. Incorporating the latest lighting and digital technology, the exhibition will feature installations from the world-renown artists. Visitors will step into an immersive world of light and explore the science behind the mediums used in the artwork.
OSA Student Chapters and Local Sections: Apply for a special 2018 International Day of Light edition of The Optics Suitcase to use for a teach-in either on 16 May 2018 or between 1 April and 30 June 2018. Examples of teach-ins are a visit to a local school for lessons in a classroom or participation in a public event with demonstrations at a booth. You can learn more about The Optics Suitcase at osa.org/optics_suitcase.
CONTACT: Register today via email to MediaRelations@osa.org or visit the OSA Website for additional information. For more information on the International Year of Light please visit: www.lightday.org.
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. OSA is a founding partner of the National Photonics Initiative and the 2015 International Year of Light. For more information, visit www.osa.org.
Follow us: Twitter @OpticalSociety, Facebook @OpticalSociety, and Instagram @TheOpticalSociety. Join the conversation using the hashtag #IDL2018.
Media Contacts:
mediarelations@osa.org
