The Optical Society (OSA) has announced the OSA Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Recognition, which serves to acknowledge OSA members, companies or organisations that demonstrate efforts to foster greater appreciation, advancement and celebration of diversity and inclusivity. The winner will be announced at OSA’s Annual Meeting, Frontiers in Optics (FiO) and will receive up to $5,000 in funding to the organisation or cause the member supports.
'OSA is dedicated to supporting diversity and inclusivity in our community. We are proud to present the OSA Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Recognition,' said CEO of The Optical Society, Elizabeth Rogan. 'Across industry, academia and government, there is a great need for an increased recognition of diversity and inclusivity. This award will highlight the outstanding dedication and accomplishments of our members.'
Associate Professor in the School of Electrical and Data Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and IT, and director of the Women in Engineering and IT programme at the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, Arti Agrawal, added, 'Changing roles and expectations within an industry can be challenging. Changing roles and expectations within an industry can be challenging. I am proud of this program and the efforts of OSA to keep diversity and inclusion in our field at the forefront of importance.'
The recognition committee will consider community service, professional development, hiring practices and programming that enhance opportunities for the understanding and inclusion of people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences. The winner will be notified in July and will be invited to attend OSA’s Annual Meeting, Frontiers in Optics (FiO), to accept the recognition at the Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C., USA.
For more information, email diversity@osa.org. The submission deadline is 15 June 2018.
