Britton Chance biomedical optics award nomination deadline looms

The first Britton Chance Biomedical Optics Award—which honors optical imaging researcher Britton Chance, who passed away in November 2010 at the age of 97—will be presented at the upcoming SPIE Photonics West in 2012. Deadline for award nominations is October 1, 2011.

To be presented annually, the award will recognize outstanding contributions to the field of biomedical optics through the development of innovative, high-impact biophotonic technologies. As Chance's influence has driven growth of biomedical optics and biophotonics worldwide, the award will acknowledge pioneering contributions to biophotonic methods and devices that have significant promise to accelerate or have already facilitated new discoveries in biology or medicine. The award will also target achievements that span disciplines and may include elements of basic research, technology development and clinical translation.

"His [Chance's] lifelong passion for measuring and understanding physiology and metabolism using light has inspired our community for decades. More than any other individual, Brit brought together people and ideas that spanned across disciplines, creating a special spirit of creativity, innovation, and enthusiasm that has characterized the field of biomedical optics," says Bruce Tromberg, director of the Beckman Laser Institute at the University of California, Irvine.

A tribute booklet honoring Chance will be presented at the BiOS Hot Topics session during SPIE Photonics West on Saturday, January 22, 2012.

Nominations may be made through October 1; visit SPIE.org/x1164.xml for instructions and nomination forms.

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