Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring (GEMM) Initiative Expands, Welcoming the University of Waterloo (Canada) and the Mexican Photonics Cluster

11 September 2024

Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring (GEMM) Initiative Expands, Welcoming the University of Waterloo (Canada) and the Mexican Photonics Cluster

Washington, D.C.-11 September 2024-Two leading institutions have joined the joint Optica-AGU Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring (GEMM) Initiative, increasing opportunities to solve local and regional environmental issues through a global network of scientists, engineers and policymakers.

The University of Waterloo, Canada is joining the GEMM Network, leveraging the expertise of the Waterloo Climate Institute, a leading research hub focused on climate change and environmental sustainability, following a GEMM-sponsored workshop held in 2020. Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland, a key supporter of the GEMM Initiative, emphasized the critical role of cutting-edge optics and photonics research in addressing climate change. "This collaboration aligns with our mission to advance climate science through interdisciplinary research and innovative technologies, while also providing policymakers with the robust scientific data necessary to make informed decisions," said Strickland.

The Mexican Photonics Cluster (Clúster Mexicano de Fotónica), representing technology developers throughout Mexíco, is the first organization in Latin America to join the GEMM Network. Eric Rosas, President of the cluster, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in driving the development of photonics technologies to monitor and mitigate environmental impacts in the region. "This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering innovation in optics and photonics and its application to solve environmental challenges," said Rosas.

GEMM Initiative co-Chairs Michelle Bailey and Tomohiro Oda applaud these new additions to the network. The Initiative continues to expand its global network of partners, fostering collaborations that drive the development of innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The addition of the University of Waterloo and the Mexican Photonics Cluster further strengthens GEMM's ability to contribute to a sustainable future.

"We are thrilled to welcome the University of Waterloo and the Mexican Photonics Cluster to the GEMM Initiative," said Scott Carney, Chief Science and Technology Officer at Optica. "These collaborations represent a significant step forward in our mission to harness the power of photonics for the benefit of the environment and society."

By connecting policymakers with top academic institutions, government, and industry partners, GEMM aims to address local and regional environmental challenges-such as air and water quality and climate change-by providing critical data to better inform decision-making.

About GEMM Initiative
The Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring (GEMM) Initiative is a collaborative effort between Optica and the American Geophysical Union (AGU). GEMM brings together scientists, engineers, and policymakers to develop and implement cutting-edge photonics technologies for environmental monitoring. By providing accurate and timely data, GEMM supports informed decision-making and policy development to address global environmental challenges.

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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