Posted On: 01/19/2014 3:06:58 PM
Post# of 2022
OSA Members Stump for Optics and Photonics on the HillOn September 18 and 19, OSA, in partnership with SPIE organized a Capitol Hill Day to promote the recently launched National Photonics Initiative ( NPI ) to the U.S. Congress. In total, more than 30 participants from all over the country visited 45 congressional offices to discuss the need for coordinated investments in optics and photonics, the goals of the NPI, and the importance of the industry to the member’s local economy.
After an in depth training session on Wednesday, September 18, groups spent a full day Thursday, September 19 on Capitol Hill meeting with science policy staffers from targeted cluster states – including New York, California, New Mexico, Florida, and Michigan. The overall response from the offices was positive, including a number of Members who expressed an interest in joining a Congressional Photonics Caucus or touring optics facilities in their districts.
What participants had to say:
“I was inspired, and I believe many of my colleagues were too, at the reception we received from the congressional and senatorial staffers,” said OSA President Elect Phil Bucksbaum (Stanford). “In more than one office (and I visited eight in one day!), we received interest, involvement, and even advice from Legislative Directors and Aides who are in the eye of the Capitol Hill storm. The contacts made will help start and build relationships that will be critical for the success of NPI.”
“The National Photonics Initiative is one of the great opportunities of this century for our country and it is important to spread that message,” said Neil Ball (Directed Light), a member of the NPI Subcommittee on Advanced Manufacturing. “The power of light and its ability to provide solutions to many different sectors of industry shows how vital this technology is to all of us. Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Health Sciences, Telecommunications, and our Nation’s Defense all rely on lasers and photonics to improve the quality of our lives and aid in keeping us safe.”
Over the next few months, OSA and SPIE will be working with to fine tune the NPI policy recommendations and develop concrete requests related to photonics R&D, education and infrastructure investments and programs.
Posted: September 26, 201
http://www.osa.org/en-us/about_osa/public_pol...n_updates/
After an in depth training session on Wednesday, September 18, groups spent a full day Thursday, September 19 on Capitol Hill meeting with science policy staffers from targeted cluster states – including New York, California, New Mexico, Florida, and Michigan. The overall response from the offices was positive, including a number of Members who expressed an interest in joining a Congressional Photonics Caucus or touring optics facilities in their districts.
What participants had to say:
“I was inspired, and I believe many of my colleagues were too, at the reception we received from the congressional and senatorial staffers,” said OSA President Elect Phil Bucksbaum (Stanford). “In more than one office (and I visited eight in one day!), we received interest, involvement, and even advice from Legislative Directors and Aides who are in the eye of the Capitol Hill storm. The contacts made will help start and build relationships that will be critical for the success of NPI.”
“The National Photonics Initiative is one of the great opportunities of this century for our country and it is important to spread that message,” said Neil Ball (Directed Light), a member of the NPI Subcommittee on Advanced Manufacturing. “The power of light and its ability to provide solutions to many different sectors of industry shows how vital this technology is to all of us. Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Health Sciences, Telecommunications, and our Nation’s Defense all rely on lasers and photonics to improve the quality of our lives and aid in keeping us safe.”
Over the next few months, OSA and SPIE will be working with to fine tune the NPI policy recommendations and develop concrete requests related to photonics R&D, education and infrastructure investments and programs.
Posted: September 26, 201
http://www.osa.org/en-us/about_osa/public_pol...n_updates/
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