WASHINGTON – The Optical Society (OSA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that 96 OSA members, representing 19 different countries, have been elected as the newest class of OSA Fellows. This year, the OSA Fellows Committee reviewed 177 nominations. Fellows are selected based on several factors, including specific scientific, engineering, and technological contributions, a record of significant publications or patents related to optics, technical or industry leadership in the field as well as service to OSA and the global optics community. As a reflection of The Optical Society’s global reach, 59 percent of this year’s Fellows reside outside the United States.
“Heartiest congratulations to the 2017 OSA Fellows, who are excellent examples of optics and photonics innovators and will be outstanding representatives of The Optical Society,” said Alan Willner, 2016 President of The Optical Society and Steven & Kathryn Sample Chair in Engineering, University of Southern California, California, USA. “The new Fellows join an illustrious group who have collectively had great impact on our field and society at large.”
Fellows of The Optical Society are members who have served with distinction in the advancement of optics and photonics. The OSA Fellow Members Committee reviews nominations submitted by current OSA Fellows, then recommends candidates to the OSA Board of Directors. No more than 10 percent of the total OSA membership may be chosen as Fellows, making the process both highly selective and competitive.
“Thank you to Fellows Committee Chair Edward Watson and the rest of the committee for their time and focus in reviewing the record number of submissions received this year,” said Elizabeth Rogan, CEO, The Optical Society. “The 2017 Fellows reflect a diverse group of OSA members who are leaders in optics and photonics. It’s an honor to recognize the 2017 OSA Fellows class for their accomplishments, achievements and continued contributions to our industry.”
The new Fellows will be honored at OSA conferences and meetings throughout 2017. In addition to their recognition, Fellows may apply for travel grants to visit and lecture in developing countries and may nominate OSA members for Fellow consideration. A listing of all 96 new Fellows appears below: