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04 April 2018
The Optical Society Supports the Next Generation of Scientists at USA Science & Engineering Festival
4 April 2018
The Optical Society Supports the Next Generation of Scientists at USA Science & Engineering Festival
WASHINGTON – The Optical Society (OSA), is pleased to announce its participation in the 5th USA Science & Engineering Festival, the first and only national science festival. The society will have an interactive edcuation booth at the biannual festival, which will be held on 7-8 April 2018 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
“Inspiring the next generation of scientists is a top goal of OSA,” said Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society. “The USA Science & Engineering Festival is a great opportunity to captivate the interest of energetic girls and boys who will ultimately shape the future of science and discovery.”
The Optical Society, in collaboration with the Osnabrück University, Department of Ultrafast Physics, will take part in the festival at booth #5437. The booth will feature a Lego® laser maze, an experience that will allow attendees to explore the world of physics in a fun and engaging way.
The Lego® laser maze is directed to young researchers and those making their first steps in photonics. The goal is to steer a laser beam through multiple obstacles by adjusting several mirror mounts. The time is measured by Lego® Mindstorms® components and software, and the daily high score is displayed.
With more than 1,000 leading science organizations from around the world participating, this year’s festival is expected to have more than 350,000 visitors and 3,000 hands-on exhibits. Visitors to The Optical Society’s booth will receive fun optics-related giveaways and learn more about the science of light.
In addition to the two-day expo, the festival will feature an “X-STEM Symposium” with TED-style talks from a range of scientific visionaries, as well as a “Sneak Peak Friday” on 6 April to allow the media, military families and K-12 school groups a chance to enjoy the thousands of enriching exhibits before the general public.
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.
About USA Science & Engineering Festival
The USA Science & Engineering Festival is the country’s only national science festival. It was developed to increase public awareness about the importance of science and to encourage youth to pursue careers in science and engineering by celebrating science in much the same way as we celebrate Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes and pop stars. Led by Lockheed Martin as the Founding and Presenting Host, the festival is a grassroots collaboration of over 1,000 of the leading science and engineering corporations in the United States. For more information, visit USAScienceFestival.org.
Media Contacts:
mediarelations@osa.org
