The Optica advocate of optics recognition is typically presented yearly to a public official who demonstrates leadership in support of the advancement of light science. Rousset was awarded the advocate in optics recognition at an event hosted by the Institut d’Optique Graduate School (IOGS) on 21 November. The event featured 2018 Nobel Laureate Gérard Mourou, Optica Fellow Pierre Chavel and IOGS directeur général Rémi Carminati to celebrate the vibrant French optics industry.

“It is a real honor for me to receive this award. The photonics, laser and microwave sector in New Aquitaine benefits from world-renowned expertise. It brings together companies, universities and research, technology transfer and training centers around major innovation projects,” said Rousset. He was elected President of the Regional Council of Aquitaine in 1998, served on the French National Assembly from 2007 to 2017 and has since been re-elected as President of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Since assuming office, Rousset has supported the optics community because he believes that “photonics will be in the 21st century what electronics was in the 20th century” as he told Les Echos Entrepreneurs.

“Président Rousset has been prescient in his support of the optics industry in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.  For more than two decades he has championed the scientific and commercial potential of lasers, photonics, and all of the supporting industries that make those technologies possible,” said Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of Optica.