Laser technology prize nominations and applications sought

Since 2000, the Berthold Leibinger Foundation has given the award every two years for excellent research and development work on the application or generation of laser light. It is one of the highest remunerated international innovation prizes for laser technology. Three prizes are handed out, with a total of €60,000, none of it earmarked for a specific purpose. The eighth call for applications for the biennial prize, which is awarded to top individuals, as well as to project groups worldwide for innovation on laser light sources and their applications, is now open. The deadline for applications and nominations is 31 December 2013. See here. Berthold Leibinger (pictured) served as president of German sheet metal machine and laser specialist Trumpf from 1978 to 2005, following being named by Trumpf founder Christian Trumpf as his successor, due to the latter having no children. Mr Leibinger, who in 1968 at Trumpf developed the first contour nibbling machine tool with numerical control, subsequently acquired shares in the company. Mr Leibinger retired from management in November 2005 and became chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Trumpf Group until the end of 2012.