(VIDEO) NSF and DOE funds LaserFest, celebrating 50 years of laser technology
June 9, 2009--A joint press release from The Optical Society (OSA; Washington, DC) and the American Physical Society (APS; College Park, MD) says that The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have awarded LaserFest, a celebration in 2010 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first working laser, $300,000 to fund educational outreach activities (see "Celebrating the laser: OSA, APS and you"). View a video from the CLEO/IQEC LaserFest booth here:
LaserFest, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the laser, emphasizes the laser's impact throughout history and highlights its potential for the future. Through a series of events and programs, LaserFest showcases the prominence of the laser in today's world. With $150,000 from each agency, LaserFest will use the grants for educational programs about the products and services made possible by laser technology, the wide-ranging career opportunities afforded by laser innovation, as well as the importance of ongoing scientific research and development for addressing societal needs.
A science community collaboration, LaserFest will recognize and honor the accomplishments of the pioneers who made possible the discovery, development and application of the laser, as well as inform students, educators, legislators, funding agencies and the general public about the impact of the laser and the importance of scientific and technological innovation. Educational outreach will focus on raising awareness of today's laser technologies and tomorrow's possibilities.
A significant goal of LaserFest is to raise awareness among students and the general public about the laser, its contributions and future possibilities. To help achieve that objective, DOE and NSF funding will support the development of several educational activities.
As a science community program, LaserFest partners, including the Optical Society (OSA) and the American Physical Society (APS), encourage widespread involvement by all scientific professional societies, companies, academic institutions and conferences to participate and plan events as part of LaserFest.
For more information, go to www.LaserFest.org.
--Posted by Gail Overton, [email protected]; www.laserfocusworld.com.