Source: SPIE

With much trust in the potential of others and with the courage to occasionally take unusual paths, Dr. h.c. Lothar Späth breathed new life into Jena’s photonics industry. For the key role that he played in the successful development of this German city in the region of Thuringia (in what was once East Germany), the Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Europe presented the SPIE Visionary Award to him at LASER World of PHOTONICS 2009. Lothar Späth is only the third person to receive this prize since the first time that it was awarded in 2005. This award is not bestowed at regular intervals. Instead, it is only conferred when there is a suitable candidate, which makes it all the more significant. The two previous awardees were Richard Smalley (2005) and Tereo Hiruma (2006). In their laudations for Späth, high-ranking representatives from SPIE and Jenoptik recited the achievements of this former governor of the German state of Baden-Württemberg.

When Lothar Späth took the helm of Jenoptik in 1991, he moved forward into an uncertain future. This was not just due to the fact that, as he mentioned in his comments, he – as a politician – had to learn to become a business person. Jena was home to three companies with long-standing traditions in the field of optics: Jenoptik, Zeiss und Schott. However, after the reunification of Germany, hardly anyone was interested in purchasing their products. Michael Mertin, chairman of the board of management for Jenoptik, recalled that 34,000 people lost their jobs at that time. However, Späth recognized that the location had great potential. “He re-invented the optical industry in Jena,” said Mertin in offering his gratitude on behalf of the company’s employees and the city’s residents.
 
With the founding of the IWS Fraunhofer Instituts in Jena, the first step was investment in research. Hans Tiziani, Prof. Emeritus from the University of Stuttgart, explained that Späth worked in accordance with the motto: “Let’s do it, not talk about it.” In this way, he was able to change much within a short time span. As a result, Jena now stands out among other Eastern German cities. The city is growing as a university town and as an industrial location. According to Mertin, Jena has advanced to take second place in Germany as a region in which scientists would like to work. The LASER World of PHOTONICS trade show also reflects this region’s significance for the photonics industry. The city is well represented by diverse companies and research institutes at the world’s leading trade show for this industry.
 
When Prof. Maria Yzuel, president of SPIE, presented the award to Späth, he commented that receiving the Visionary Award is a very special honor for him. He backed this up – in allusion to his roots in politics – by explaining that the award shows that politicians are also capable of leading corporations. His remarks also included an admonishment: “We need a society that is open for science, including the accompanying risks.”
 
The awards ceremony also provided the framework for the presentation of one of several scholarships awarded by SPIE. Timothy Renkoski received a grant of 2,000 US dollars for studies and research. He is working towards a doctorate at the University of Arizona in the area of biomedical optics. Ralph James, the designated president of SPIE, who served as moderator for the event, presented the scholarship.