April 2005

Lasers, laureates, competitions infuse symposium to celebrate physics milestones

University of California, Berkeley, hosts symposium and celebration October 6-8, 2005

PHILADELPHIA/USA…Amazing Light: Visions for Discovery is an international symposium and competition that celebrates extraordinary achievements and perspectives in physics. During this United Nations World Year of Physics, Amazing Light celebrates the 90th birthday year of Charles Townes, who received the Nobel Prize in 1964 for his role in the invention of the laser. Amazing Light: Visions for Discovery includes

A 3-day symposium (October 6-8) presenting ground-breaking research from renowned physicists, including 18 or more Nobel laureates. The symposium will include a public lecture on Friday, October 7.
A Young Scholars Competition, awarding more than $100,000 to nine of the most promising young physicists (under age 40) of our day; deadline, June 30.
The Laser Challenge Web site competition, offering over $65,000 in prizes for Web site designs celebrating the invention and impacts of lasers, including categories for students; deadline, September 1.
A spectacular gala with a laser light show to honor Charles Townes, whose contributions to humankind have inspired the event and whose insights have guided the development of the symposium

Who is Charles Townes? Charles Townes' illustrious life includes distinguished work at Bell Labs, Columbia University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley, where he has served on the faculty since 1967. In addition to the Nobel Prize (1964), Charles Townes was recently awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize for his unique contributions to religion.

Significance of the Symposium: The symposium celebrates the World Year of Physics with particular focus on the laser and innovative technologies, exploration of the great unknowns of physics and cosmology, and research that extends the boundaries of science--all to advance the future of humankind.

Symposium Sponsors and Creators: The symposium is hosted by the University of California, Berkeley, administered by Metanexus Institute, and sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation, plus a number of other corporate and institutional sponsors.

Complete information on conference and competitions can be found at www.foundationalquestions.net/townes .