OSA and SPIE Continue Merger Talks

A joint task force of the Optical Society of America (OSA; Washington DC) and the International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE; Bellingham, WA) has been formed to explore closer collaboration -- or an expanded structural relationship such as a federation or merger -- between the two societies. The task force includes leadership and staff of both organizations.

At a late March meeting, the task force decided to begin by exploring the full merger model as the most rigorous test of the concept, appointing subcommittees to study options and alternatives related to publications, meetings, awards and fellows, member benefits, and operations. The subcommittees will report their progress at the next task force meeting in early May.

Current plans call for monthly task force meetings and the goal of presenting a recommended action plan to the OSA and SPIE Boards this fall. Any proposed merger or other structural relationship would go the full memberships of both organizations for final approval.

Throughout this process, the task force will report regularly to the members and staffs of both societies and to the public. Comments or questions on the proposed collaboration are welcomed and should be directed to the task force co-chairs: M.J. Soileau and Paul Forman, c/o Bobbie Lively, SPIE, P.O. Box 10, Bellingham, WA 98227-0010; Phone (360) 676-3290; Fax (360) 647-1445.