The Optical Society Presents 2018 Advocate of Optics Recognition to Carol Monaghan
About Optica
11 May 2018
The Optical Society Presents 2018 Advocate of Optics Recognition to Carol Monaghan
11 May 2018
The Optical Society Presents 2018 Advocate of Optics Recognition to UK Member of Parliament, Carol Monaghan
WASHINGTON —The Optical Society (OSA) will award UK Member of Parliament Carol Monaghan its 2018 Advocate of Optics recognition 21 May during the SU2P 9th Annual Symposium at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland. Monaghan was chosen as OSA’s 2018 Advocate of Optics for her “public policy leadership and efforts in support of the advancement of the science of light.”
Monaghan is being recognized for her work to promote optics and photonics as a Member of Parliament. She graduated from Strathclyde University with a BSc (Hons) in Laser Physics and Optoelectronics in 1993, and trained as a teacher, gaining a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Physics and Mathematics. Monaghan has worked in many Glasgow schools, including 14 years at Hyndland Secondary, as Head of Physics and Head of Science. She spent two years as a Glasgow University lecturer training future teachers. An SQA consultant, she has been involved in developing physics qualifications at a national level.
“Carol has continuously helped promote optics and photonics, both as a teacher and a Member of Parliament,” said Ian Walmsley, 2018 President of The Optical Society and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Hooke Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Oxford, UK. “She recognizes the tremendous potential of the industry, and works tirelessly to showcase it. Throughout her career, her leadership and dedication to promoting optical sciences makes her a wonderful choice for the OSA Advocate of Optics recognition.”
During her time at Parliament, Monaghan has been a strong supporter of the “International Year of Light” and initiated the first ever House of Commons debate of the UK photonics industry. She advocated for the establishment of and now chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Photonics. Monaghan also works regularly with the Photonics Leadership Group, which represents the photonics industry throughout the United Kingdom.
To be recognized as an OSA Advocate of Optics, a public official must have a record consistent with his or her support of science, optics and photonics and be an enthusiastic advocate for science policy issues, with particular regard to the advancement of the science of light.
About The Optical Society
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org.