Dr. Laursen Replaces Robert Duffy in Key Leadership Post, Will Help to Guide Photonics-Enabled Innovation Across New York and the USA.

The American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM Photonics) today announced the appointment of Dr. Tod A. Laursen, as Chair of the AIM Photonics Leadership Council, which focuses on the strategic and technical direction of the Institute. In this role, Dr. Laursen will hold leadership and oversight responsibilities, including direct engagement with industry and government stakeholders, strategic planning and management, and guiding photonics-enabled innovation.

“The promise of AIM Photonics is rooted in its network of researchers, innovative partnerships, and the exciting possibilities that integrated photonics can make a reality,” said Dr. Laursen. “I am honored to deeply engage with industry, academia, and government stakeholders in this new role to execute a strategy building on AIM’s successes to further enable a sustainable future and global manufacturing leadership related to this essential technology. I am so appreciative to Bob Duffy for his years of dedicated leadership and service and look forward to working closely with the AIM leadership team as we support the manufacturing institute’s R&D and commercialization efforts, anticipate increased collaborations, and facilitate technological competitiveness for the nation.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience throughout the past five years, and it has been both an honor and a privilege to work alongside and observe the super talented team of academic and business leaders,” said former Chair Robert J. Duffy. “They have done amazing work and deserve great credit for the many accomplishments of AIM Photonics, and they will not miss a beat with Tod Laursen as Chair. I am thrilled that Dr. Laursen will be replacing me, as I’ve worked with him as a SUNY Trustee and have enormous respect for his talent and leadership. I would like to be clear that my reason for resigning is due solely to a growing list of professional commitments and I can no longer dedicate the time and attention that the Leadership Council deserves from its Chair. I would like to thank the entire AIM team for providing me with this wonderful opportunity – it has been enjoyable and educational, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for the work of AIM Photonics.”

“We couldn’t have asked for a better inaugural Chair than Bob Duffy, and we are very grateful to him for his years of service and commitment to helping grow AIM Photonics while ensuring its long-term success,” said Dr. John Bowers, Deputy CEO and Acting Executive Director of AIM Photonics. “As we work toward a return to normalcy after the pandemic impacted nearly all aspects of life, the role of Chair is more important than ever. Between his expertise in mechanical and computational engineering, global network of business and professional relationships, and extensive experience advising scientific organizations, we are more than confident that Dr. Laursen is the right person to guide us through the next chapter of AIM Photonics.”

AIM Photonics is the nation’s premier Photonic Integrated Chip (PIC) manufacturing institute, advancing Integrated Photonic technology and associated workforce development. A public-private partnership founded in 2015, AIM Photonics is nationally recognized for creating the world’s first open-access, complete Integrated Photonic manufacturing ecosystem. AIM’s ecosystem provides the photonics industry, the academic research community, and the government access to a full suite of design tools, advanced wafer fabrication, testing, and chip packaging technologies throughout the entire product development cycle.

The AIM Photonics Leadership Council is a requirement of the Department of Defense and, under the guidance of Chairman Laursen, governs AIM Photonics. Leadership Council positions are volunteer and receive no compensation. AIM Photonics, through its Leadership Council and with guidance from the Leadership Council Chairman, has the opportunity to positively influence key industrial decision makers in their location and sourcing decisions. In addition to customary governance and oversight responsibilities, the Leadership Council works to increase industry participation through shared technology infrastructure in Albany and Rochester, and across the U.S.

About AIM Photonics

AIM Photonics is one of several Manufacturing Innovation Institutes, an industry-driven public-private partnership that focuses the nation’s premiere capabilities and expertise to capture critical global manufacturing leadership in a technology that is both essential to national security and positioned to provide a compelling return-on-investment to the U.S. economy. Learn more at www.aimphotonics.com.