Thursday 5th February 2015 saw the launch for the International Year of Light in Wales at Pierhead Building on Cardiff Bay.
Celf Plas Heli Art light artist Jessica lloyd-Jones and myself as Arts Project Manager were kindly invited, but unfortunately were not able to attend due to prior commitments.
The International Year of Light is of course sponsored by the United Nations, is a global initiative that will highlight to the citizens of the world the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives, for their futures, and for the development of society. Light science is one of the most accessible themes to promote cross-disciplinary education.
Light-based technology, often referred to as photonics, describes a range of applications aimed at raising the quality of life worldwide by reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating disease. Light based technology is a major economic driver with potential to revolutionize the 21st century as electronics did in the 20th century.
The timetable for the Wales Launch of the International Year of Light involved
1100 guests attending an official launch introduced by
Mrs Edwina Hart MBE, AM, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport and Professor Julie Williams CBE, Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales.
In support of the launch, the various optics and photonics industry and research organisations exhibited their activities. The Photonics Academy of Wales @Bangor (PAWB) offered attendees a hands-on experience of photonics.
Professor Alan Shore of Bangor University, who amongst many other roles is a Lead Investigator on a project awarded by the Ser Cymru National Research Network in Advanced Engineering and Materials, is coordinating events for the International Year of Light in Wales.
We have already made contact with Professor Shore and have an inaugural listing on the IYL2015 website already. Our hope is to build on this connection with Professor Shore and IYL2015 as the project begins to develop throughout the coming year in Pwllheli.
Exciting times...keep watching this space...
Ian Banks
6th February 2015
