CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CELEBRATES NATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT
Introduces resolution to reaffirm America’s commitment to continued investment in science and innovation in the fields of Optics and Photonics
(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle—Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Optics and Photonics Caucus—introduced a resolution officially marking May 16 as National Day of Light in the United States.
“I founded the Congressional Optics and Photonics Caucus nearly four years ago because I believe light-based technologies hold limitless potential—especially for communities like mine in Rochester, New York,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “At a time when science and evidence-based research are under threat, it’s more important than ever that we invest in emerging technologies to drive innovation, improve lives, and secure America’s leadership on the global stage.”
International Day of Light is celebrated every year on May 16 and is designed to serve as an appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. Congressman Morelle’s resolution would extend this celebration to the United States as well as create our own recognition: the National Day of Light.
This year, we also celebrate the 40th anniversary of chirped-pulse amplification (CPA), a Nobel Prize winning technique developed at the University of Rochester by Gérard Mourou, a former engineer and senior scientist at the University’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics, and Donna Strickland ’89 (PhD). CPA creates ultrashort, high-power laser pulses, and this technology has helped pave the way for numerous applications in science, engineering, and medicine. Congressman Morelle has been a vocal supporter of this technology, and he believes it has been a critical piece of securing our country’s leadership in light-based technologies.
Congressman Morelle is also a long-standing leader in advancing investments in science and light-based technology research. From his leadership on the NY SMART-I Corridor Regional Technology Hub application to his ongoing work to secure funding for science-based initiatives as Vice Ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, he is always advancing discovery and innovation on regional, national, and global scales.
Read the full text of the resolution here.
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