A Message from the Director of iOS, Lou DiMauro:

As we step into 2025, I am excited to share the latest developments within the Institute for Optical Science (iOS). Over the past several months, we have seen continued growth in our programs, strengthened collaborations, and new opportunities to support cutting-edge research in the optical sciences.

One major highlight was the inaugural DoD-iOS Workshop, hosted in collaboration with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). This event brought together key federal representatives and academic researchers to explore advancements in ‘Extreme Light’ and foster meaningful dialogue within our communities. Building on its success, we look forward to expanding our partnerships and future workshop opportunities.

I am also pleased to announce two funding initiatives available to iOS members: the Agostini/DiMauro Visiting Scholar Funds and the iOS Collaborative Grants. These programs are rooted in the long-standing collaboration between Pierre Agostini and me. Both programs aim to support scholars and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborative research efforts through visits and workshops. Applications are open on a rolling basis, and I encourage our members to take advantage of these valuable resources.

Additionally, iOS has been well represented on the global stage. Our continued engagement with the X-lites network-of-networks has secured additional NSF funding to drive international collaboration in extreme light research. We are also proud to support students from US institutions to attend the upcoming 5th edition of the International Attosecond School in Erice, Sicily, which remains a cornerstone for training the next generation of researchers in ultrafast science. Please convey this information to interested students.

It has also been a strong year for student engagement. The Optica Student Chapter at OSU is flourishing, hosting its first annual symposium, monthly faculty tutorials and organizing visits to national laboratories, including Argonne and Fermilab. Their enthusiasm for optics and photonics research is inspiring, and I encourage all students to get involved in this vibrant community.

Finally, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to our newest iOS members. Our community continues to grow, bringing together researchers from a variety of disciplines who share a passion for optical science. I look forward to seeing many of them share their work in our new iOS Member Research Series, which will highlight the exciting research being conducted across our institute. We are also planning an iOS science & social dinner gathering on May 2nd. The event will be hosted by the ElectroScience Laboratory and the agenda will include presentations from some of our members and 2023 Nobel Laureate, Pierre Agostini. This is open to all iOS members and a great opportunity to schmooze and nosh, so please mark your calendar!

As always, I want to thank our members for their contributions to our growing optics community. I welcome your feedback on future events, workshops, and initiatives. Let’s continue to shape iOS into a thriving hub for innovation in optical science.

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