FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orlando, FL — August 18, 2025 — The Laser Institute (LIA) is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of its 2025 Arthur L. Schawlow and William M. Steen awards as well as the induction of a new LIA Fellow, as formally resolved by unanimous vote of the LIA Board of Trustees.
These awards recognizing exceptional contributions to the fields of lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide will be formally presented during the 44th International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics (ICALEO®) on October 15, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
Arthur L. Schawlow Award – Professor William (Bill) O’Neill
Established in 1982, this long-standing honor recognizes outstanding contributions to basic and applied research in laser science and engineering. Professor O’Neill is Professor of Laser Engineering at the University of Cambridge and Director of the Centre for Industrial Photonics. He is internationally recognized for laser-based manufacturing spanning ultrafast laser–matter interactions, micro/nano fabrication, rapid/additive manufacturing technologies, and high-power laser materials processing, with a sustained record of translating laboratory innovation into industrial practice. Professor O’Neill holds multiple patents related to laser technologies and materials processing. His work bridges the gap between academia and industry contributing to the advancement of next generation manufacturing capabilities.
William M. Steen Award – Seurat Technologies
Named in honor of Professor William (Bill) Steen, a pioneering figure in laser materials processing whose work helped define the field, this award recognizes outstanding innovation in laser material processing applications. Seurat Technologies is honored for its development of Area Printing®, a breakthrough metal additive manufacturing platform that uses advanced beam shaping and an optically addressable light valve to split a single high-powered laser into millions of individually controllable “pixels.” This enables simultaneous pattern melting, achieving the functional equivalent of massive parallel laser beams—delivering industrial-scale print speeds with exceptional precision.
Induction to the Grade of LIA Fellow – Professor Antti Salminen
The Board ratified the induction of Professor Antti Salminen to the prestigious grade of LIA Fellow. Professor Salminen is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Turku. He is internationally recognized for his research in laser welding, cladding, additive manufacturing, and hybrid laser processes. His work integrates advanced process monitoring and industrial application development, bridging the gap between research and production. He has played a leading role in advancing laser education and training, supervising numerous doctoral and master’s theses, and fostering strong collaboration between academia and industry while contributing actively to international laser standards and conference leadership. He has also developed curriculum for laser materials processing at LUT in 2008 and University of Turku in 2020 as well as introducing a laser safety officer training program in 2025, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the next generation of laser professionals.
“These individuals and organizations exemplify the innovation, leadership, and dedication that define the global laser community,” said Shaun Oleson, Executive Director of The Laser Institute. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements with the industry later this year.”
For more information about LIA’s awards and nomination process, visit www.lia.org/about-lia/awards-nominations.
LIA extends a warm congratulations to all award recipients on this well-deserved recognition.
About The Laser Institute
Founded in 1968, The Laser Institute (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety worldwide. As the secretariat and publisher of the ANSI Z136 laser safety standards and the publisher of the Journal of Laser Applications, LIA serves academia, industry, and government through conferences, educational programs, and standards development. LIA is dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and the safe use of lasers.
Contact: The Laser Institute
+1 (407) 380-1553, lia@lia.org
