Feb 10 2016
The Optical Society (OSA) today presented the 2016 OSA Advocate of Optics recognition to Dr. John Holdren, director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The Advocate of Optics award recognizes Dr. Holdren’s leadership in the field of optics and photonics, especially his work on the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative and in helping to create the Integrated Photonics Innovation Manufacturing Institute (IP-IMI), now known as AIM Photonics.
“Dr. Holdren and OSTP were key advocates in defining why integrated photonics are essential to advanced manufacturing,” said Liz Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society. “OSTP, as a voice of the U.S. science and engineering community to the White House, has been effective in highlighting how photonics can be instrumental in strengthening the U.S. economy and solving world challenges.”
Alan Willner, president of The Optical Society, said, “Through the OSA and the National Photonics Initiative, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Dr. Holdren’s outstanding staff on the critical need for an integrated photonics manufacturing institute and the enabling opportunities of optics for the BRAIN Initiative. His dedication to promoting science on these programs and throughout his career makes him a logical choice for the OSA Advocate of Optics recognition.”
Dr. Holdren also serves as the Assistant to the U.S. President for Science and Technology and is the co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Prior to joining the administration, he was the Teresa and John Heinz Professor of Environmental Policy, and Director, Program on Science, Technology, and Public Policy, Harvard University - Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Holdren holds advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and theoretical plasma physics from MIT and Stanford. He has received numerous awards during his career, including the MacArthur Foundation Prize Fellowship, the John Heinz Prize in Public Policy, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Volvo Environment Prize.
To be recognized as an OSA Advocate of Optics, a public official must have a record consistent with his or her support of science, optics and photonics and be an enthusiastic advocate for science policy issues, with particular regard to the advancement of the science of light.
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.
Source: http://www.osa.org/