LIA Newsroom | The Laser Institute

The LIA Newsroom is your official source for the latest news, announcements, and updates from The Laser Institute. As the global leading organization dedicated to lasers, laser applications, and laser safety, we provide timely information on industry advancements, upcoming events, standards development, and key initiatives shaping the future of laser applications.

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News & Announcements

	September 17, 2026 Prof. Jie Qiao Elected Fellow of The Laser Institute The Laser Institute (LIA) has elected Prof. Jie Qiao, Ph.D., of Rochester Institute of Technology as a Fellow of the Institute. Fellow is the highest grade of LIA membership, awarded to members who have exceptional professional distinction in the Institute's mission areas and who have provided outstanding service to their field. The designation will be conferred at the LIA Awards Ceremony during the 45th annual ICALEO in Denver, Colorado.
	September 4, 2026 Announcing the 2027 Officer and Trustee Nominees for the LIA Board
	September 1, 2026 The Laser Institute Names Leeya Bridges Director of Business Development FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ORLANDO, Fla., September 1, 2026 — The Laser Institute (LIA) has appointed Leeya Bridges as Director of Business Development. She joins the Institute's leadership team in Orlando and will lead corporate membership, sponsorship, and training growth across LIA's business units.
	July 20, 2026 The Laser Institute Names n2-Photonics GmbH Recipient of the 2026 William M. Steen Award The Laser Institute (LIA) has named n2-Photonics GmbH the recipient of the 2026 William M. Steen Award, recognizing the Hamburg-based company for a significant and innovative development in laser material processing. n2-Photonics, the 16th recipient of the Award, will be honored during the Awards Ceremony at the 45th annual ICALEO, held October 5-8, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
	July 17, 2026 The Laser Institute Names Prof. Jun Ye Recipient of the 2026 Arthur L. Schawlow Award The Laser Institute (LIA) has named Prof. Jun Ye the recipient of the 2026 Arthur L. Schawlow Award, recognizing his career-long contributions to laser science and engineering. Prof. Ye, the 45th recipient of the Award, will be honored on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during LIA's annual Awards Ceremony at the 45th annual ICALEO in Denver, Colorado (October 5-8, 2026).
	September 24, 2025 2026 Board of Trustees Election Ballot is Open Orlando, FL — September 24, 2025 — The ballot for The Laser Institute's (LIA) 2026 Board of Trustees election is now open for LIA members. This year’s candidates selected by the Nominating Committee embody the spirit of LIA’s mission through their work in the field and their contributions to the laser industry.
	September 3, 2025 Announcing the 2026 Officer and Trustee Nominees for the LIA Board The strength of The Laser Institute lies in its community, and a crucial part of this community is our Board of Trustees. Their leadership guides and supports all of our activities, ensuring we continue advancing lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide.
	August 18, 2025 The Laser Institute Announces 2025 Award Recipients and New LIA Fellow The Laser Institute (LIA) is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of its 2025 Arthur L. Schawlow and William M. Steen awards as well as the induction of a new LIA Fellow, as formally resolved by unanimous vote of the LIA Board of Trustees. These awards recognizing exceptional contributions to the fields of lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide will be formally presented during ICALEO on October 15, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
	February 11, 2025 In Memoriam: Dr. Nathaniel R. Quick (April 20, 1949 – February 4, 2025) It is with deep sadness that The Laser Institute (LIA) announces the passing of Dr. Nathaniel R. Quick on February 4, 2025, in Lake Mary, Florida, at the age of 75. Dr. Quick was a pioneering figure in laser processing of advanced materials and a dedicated leader within LIA, serving as its Executive Director from 2017 to 2023. His groundbreaking contributions to laser applications and his steadfast commitment to driving innovation have left an indelible mark on the industry and the global laser community.
	February 3, 2025 LIA Announces 2025 Award Recipients for Excellence in Laser Safety and Education The Laser Institute (LIA) is proud to announce the recipients of two distinguished awards recognizing outstanding contributions to laser safety and education. The George M. Wilkening Award in Laser Safety and the R. James Rockwell, Jr. Educational Achievement Award will be conferred at the International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC) 2025, held in Orlando, Florida, on March 4, 2025.