Mexican Federal Deputy Javier J. López-Casarín Named 2024 Advocate of Optics

28 August 2024

Mexican Federal Deputy Javier J. López-Casarín Named 2024 Advocate of Optics

López-Casarín is recognized for his dedication to supporting and growing the Mexican optics community

WASHINGTON-Dr. Javier J. López-Casarín, Mexican Federal Deputy, has played an integral role in supporting and growing Mexico's optics and photonics community and industries. He has used his position as Chair of the Science, Technology and Innovation Committee of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies to highlight the importance of optics as a key enabling technology for Mexico and the world.

Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide is proud to recognize López-Casarín for his continued dedication to the optics community with the 2024 Advocate of Optics recognition. This recognition is presented yearly to a public official who demonstrates leadership in support of the advancement of light science.

"Optics technology has the potential to solve many challenges, both here in Mexico and around the world. It has been my priority to support the growth of a strong optics community that promotes research, development and innovation," said López-Casarín. "It is an honor to serve the optics community in Mexico and to receive the Advocate of Optics recognition."

López-Casarín has been a passionate advocate for optics even before his political career. Since taking office, he has amplified his support for the Mexican optics and photonics communities. He hosts the International Day of Light celebration at the Chamber of Deputies each year to underscore the significance of optics as a crucial technology in the 21st century, both for Mexico and globally.

As Vice President of the United States of America Friendship Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, Dr. López-Casarín has prioritized the inclusion of optics and photonics industries in bilateral discussions. His efforts have led to the Mexican Photonics Cluster's participation in key innovation and trade missions, including meetings on the US Science and Chips Act. He also advocated for optics in recent legislation such as the new Mexican Law for Humanities, Sciences, Technologies, and Innovation and initiatives for Artificial Intelligence regulation.

"López-Casarín is the epitome of an Advocate of Optics. His belief in the potential of optics and dedication to bringing that potential to reality through his political career is an example to us all," said P. Scott Carney, Chief Science Officer at Optica. "We at Optica are proud to honor him for his contributions to growing our global community."

About the Advocate of Optics Recognition

The Optica Advocate of Optics is an annual recognition by the Optica Public Affairs Council. For each calendar year, the council evaluates and selects an outstanding public official from any country who demonstrates leadership and support for the advancement of optics and photonics. The recipient is evaluated on criteria such as his/her enthusiasm for science and science policy, level of familiarity with optics and photonics, level of interaction with Optica and our members in the past year and record of consistent support of science, optics and photonics. One or more recipients may be chosen in any year.

About Optica

Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org

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