Brussels funds photonics education scheme
Details have been announced of a Horizon 2020 funded project focused on promoting the importance of photonics.
The ‘International Year of Light in Europe 2015’, or LIGHT2015 project, aims to increase knowledge and understanding amongst young people, entrepreneurs and the general public in Europe regarding photonics, in addition to recognising its impact and importance on society. The project, co-ordinated by the European Physical Society (EPS), comes as Europe and the rest of the world celebrates the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015).
Speaking about the project, John Dudley, EPS president and IYL 2015 steering committee chair, said: “European research and industry in photonics is world leading, and through the Framework Programmes, Horizon 2020 and Photonics21, the European Commission has very strongly supported the European photonics community to achieve this position.
“Funding outreach programmes such as LIGHT2015, GoPhoton! and Photonics4All show the Commission’s continued prioritisation of the photonics sector, and its appreciation of the importance of engaging with the public, future entrepreneurs and young people to ensure future growth and success in this extremely important key enabling technology.”
LIGHT2015 is focused on three themes, namely ‘Explain photonics’, ‘Inspire people’ and ‘Network Europe’, and the project runs from 2015 through to 2016. Events are planned throughout this year in co-ordination with the IYL 2015.
