April 2008 Laser Technology Conference at NUI Galway

Academics and industry professionals working in the field of photonics (light and laser technology) will meet on 17 April for NUI Galway's annual LightFORUM conference. The conference theme is 'Skills & Knowledge Development - Photonics in New Products and Manufacture'. The event will feature case-study presentations from industry representatives as well as speakers from state agencies on support for upskilling in industry.

This year, the keynote speaker will be Eugene Arthurs, Executive Director of SPIE, the international society advancing an interdisciplinary approach to the science and application of light, with more than 17,500 members globally.

The annual meeting is organised by LightFORUM, the outreach activity of the National Centre for Laser Applications (NCLA) and Applied Optics Groups at NUI Galway. LightFORUM provides a framework in which scientists and professionals in industry can explore and develop interactions of mutual interest.

Tony Flaherty of the NCLA explained, "Photonics has long been a fundamental technology for manufacturing and is now commonplace in a range of applications developed by Irish-based industry. The strength of NUI Galway's photonics research and expertise is supporting this development. The University is home to the largest group of laser and optics scientists and engineers in the country, with total of 50 staff in this area. This annual meeting is an important opportunity for bringing together industry and the photonics research community."

Attendance at the event is free to professionals in Irish industry. For more information or to reserve a place, contact Tony Flaherty by email: tony.flaherty@nuigalway.ie or tel: +353 91 493 595.

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