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The University of Western Australia's Director of the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis , Winthrop Professor David Sampson, has been elected a Fellow of the international authority on optics and photonics, the prestigious Optical Society (OSA).

Professor Sampson and his team at the Optical+Biomedical Engineering Laboratory have been working at the forefront of breakthrough technology which is perfecting microscopic resolution to aid surgical intervention - by putting a microscope inside a standard hypodermic needle to enable 3-D scanning.  In principal, it should allow surgeons to locate very small tumour elements avoiding the need for further surgery and improving the prognosis of the patient.

The announcement coincides with the OSA's annual publication of the "Best of the Best" global research in optics for the year.  The team's research features in the Optics in 2012 and in a video showcasing the top highlights.

The OSA Board of Directors recognised Professor Sampson for his exceptional contributions to the development and applications of waveguide optics for in situ biomedical imaging.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson congratulated Professor Sampson on receiving OSA's special recognition of his outstanding accomplishments.

"David Sampson's commitment to the field of optics has helped UWA achieve the top ranking of five in Optical Physics in the Excellence in Research For Australia (ERA) results announced this week.  UWA is proud of the international standing of its researchers," Professor Johnson said.

"David joins a group of new Fellows located across the globe who are making are vital contributions to advancing optics and photonics worldwide," OSA President Tony Heinz said.

OSA Fellows are selected based on their overall impact on optics, as gauged through factors such as specific scientific, engineering, and technological contributions, a record of significant publications or patents related to optics, technical leadership in the field, and service to OSA and the global optics community.

The Optical Society brings together the global optics community, including more than 180,000 professionals from 175 countries, through its programs and initiatives.  Since 1916, OSA has worked to advance and promote the science of light and the advanced technologies made possible by optics and photonics.

Media references

Winthrop Professor David Sampson (Director, UWA  (+61 8)  6488 5387  /  (+61 4) 14 239 586
Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis)
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783