OSA's CEO Makes the Case for Science Funding on the HillOSA’s CEO Elizabeth Rogan testified on Capitol Hill today in front of the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Science, Justice and Related Agencies (CJS), in support of continued research and development (R&D) funding, especially for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards (NIST). The CJS subcommittee has jurisdiction over NIST and NSF’s budgets, as well as NASA and NOAA.

Her testimony focused on the importance of sustained, long-term federal investments in science research – and optics and photonics in particular – that drives manufacturing, innovation, improved communications technologies, increased solar energy efficiency, and much more. She also referenced the recent National Academy of Sciences landmark report Optics & Photonics: Essential Technologies for our Nation, and OSA’s multi-society efforts to carry out its key recommendation of creating a National Photonics Initiative (NPI).

The subcommittee hearing was focused on the fiscal year 2014 budget, and is designed to allow representatives from relevant organizations to share their insights. Rogan’s full testimony is available on the OSA website . More information about the hearing and the appropriations process is available on the Appropriations Committee’s website .

Posted: March 21, 2013