KeywordsLaser Safety, ILSC, George M. Wilkening, R. James Rockwell, Jr., Laser Safety Education, Laser Bioeffects Research Media Contact
The Laser Institute |
LIA Announces 2025 Award Recipients for Excellence in Laser Safety and EducationBy The Laser Institute (LIA) Press Team - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LIA Announces 2025 Award Recipients for Excellence in Laser Safety and Education Orlando, FL – February 3, 2025 – 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. George M. Wilkening Award in Laser Safety – Prof. John O’HaganThe George M. Wilkening Award in Laser Safety recognizes exceptional contributions to laser bioeffects research, the development of human exposure limits, and applied laser safety. This year’s recipient, Prof. John O’Hagan, has dedicated over 46 years to advancing laser safety through his work as a public health scientist at the UK Health Security Agency (HSA) and its predecessor agencies before his retirement in 2022. Prof. O’Hagan has been instrumental in developing practical guidance for managing laser safety across diverse industries, including industrial, medical, military, research, and entertainment sectors. His contributions to human exposure limit research, ocular hazard assessment, and laser safety standards have significantly impacted global laser safety policies. As co-chair of IEC TC76, he played a pivotal role in shaping international laser safety standards. His selection for this prestigious award is supported by Dr. David Sliney, Dr. Karl Schulmeister, and Dr. Bruce Stuck, all of whom have highlighted his leadership, technical expertise, and steadfast dedication to laser safety research and education. R. James Rockwell, Jr. Educational Achievement Award – Patricia A. Owens, MHA, BSN, RN, CMLSO, CNORThe R. James Rockwell, Jr. Educational Achievement Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to laser safety education. Patricia A. Owens, MHA, BSN, RN, CMLSO, CNOR, has been selected as the 2025 recipient for her more than 35 years of dedication to laser safety education, leadership in perioperative nursing, and contributions to safety standards development. Ms. Owens is internationally recognized for her expertise in nursing education, laser safety training, and the development of healthcare safety protocols. She has been a key contributor to the ANSI Z136.3 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care standard revisions and serves on multiple international laser safety committees, including IEC TC 76 and ISO TC 94/SC 6/JWG 1. Her efforts in training medical professionals and shaping global safety guidelines have made a lasting impact on patient and staff safety. Her nomination is strongly supported by Dr. Raymond Lanzafame and Vangie Dennis, both of whom emphasized her role as an educator, mentor, and advocate for safe laser practices in healthcare settings. Recognizing Excellence in Laser Safety and EducationThe Laser Institute congratulates Prof. John O’Hagan and Patricia A. Owens on their well-deserved recognition. Their contributions have profoundly influenced laser safety research, education, and policy, furthering LIA’s mission of promoting the safe use of laser technology worldwide. The awards will be formally presented during ILSC 2025 on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. For more information about ILSC 2025, please visit https://ilsc.ngo/. For inquiries related to these awards, please contact LIA. About LIAThe Laser Institute (LIA) is the leading professional society dedicated to fostering laser applications and safety worldwide. As the ANSI-Accredited Standards Developer for the Z136 laser safety standards, LIA plays a critical role in shaping global laser safety guidelines and best practices. LIA also serves as secretariat to the Z136 Standards Development Committee and is the publisher and copyright holder of the Z136 standards, ensuring the continued development and dissemination of comprehensive laser safety guidelines that align with evolving industry needs. LIA advances laser technology and safety worldwide by providing training, education, and resources to industry, academia, and government. LIA hosts premier events such as ILSC, LAM, and ICALEO, advancing innovation and collaboration in laser technology. |