[Image: S. Spangenberg]
When I was a physics student, the world was in the middle of the Cold War. Yet early on, I experienced scientific exchange across the Iron Curtain, getting to know people on the other side. (In hindsight, it almost feels as if the world were a safer place in those days.) But I also first met Optica Honorary Member and 2007 President Joseph Eberly in Poland in 1976. Still as a graduate, I saw other heroes in my field—Arthur Schawlow, Boris Stoicheff, Emil Wolf—become presidents of the Optical Society of America (now Optica).
Not in my wildest dreams back then could I imagine walking in their footsteps one day. It is such a privilege to serve as Optica’s president for 2024. As your president, I look forward to serving the Optica community—and hope that your dreams also come true.
Optica members live in varied environments and face different challenges. I believe that international exchange and collaboration can help. As I found during the Cold War, learned societies such as Optica have experienced all along how well scientists resonate with their peers across borders and oceans, with science as the common language. I very much hope that this kind of interchange can help reduce the tension and violence that have recently resurged worldwide. As an international society, Optica has the task, and the obligation, to serve members who need such help to the maximum extent it can. What we can do is limited, but we must do our best.
As 2024 begins, Optica is operating under full steam. During my presidential year, I would like to contribute to its progress in three areas. One is addressing the current trend of using predominantly bibliometric data to judge the quality of science—and of scientists. Many speak up and oppose the trend, through efforts such as the Declaration on Research Assessment (sfdora.org). Yet the situation only seems to get worse.
Another priority for me will be the relationship between Optica and industry. Our society has already ramped up in this area, reaching out to members outside academia. But, having worked in industry for five years myself, I see room for further improvement. In the end, academia and industry have always profited from each other—and will continue to do so.
Finally, 2025 will be the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Like many other organizations and individuals, Optica will play a role. Planning during 2024 will help make the most of that celebration next year.
I will return to these topics in upcoming monthly messages in OPN. Meanwhile, if you have suggestions you would like to share with me, feel free to write me at ideas@optica.org.
Optics was once a field that was not as highly regarded as others in the wider physics community. Many readers have no doubt heard the story that, soon after its invention, the laser was said to be “a solution looking for a problem.” This has changed completely, and it is amazing to see how optics thrives in very diverse sectors! As 2024 Optica president, I look forward to continuing to advance optics in the coming year.
—Gerd Leuchs,
Optica President
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