Magnus Bengtsson, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Coherent, who attended the event explains, “Neuroscience is currently one of the most active frontiers in life sciences research. In addition to the fundamental drive to better understand how the brain processes information, from the synaptic to the network level, today’s increased life expectancy creates greater emphasis on improving quality of life in old age, as well as a need for an improved understanding of how to reduce and treat age-related mental impairments, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Lasers have long played an important role in advancing neuroscience by enabling many of the imaging techniques that researchers use to address these questions. As the world’s largest scientific laser manufacturer, Coherent intends to continue its support for these important efforts.”

Founded in 2012, NPI brings together experts from industry, academia and government to assemble recommendations that will help guide US funding and investment. In a press release announcing the formation of PING, Professor Baer states that this new industry group will invest at least $30 million in research and development spending over the next three years to advance optics and photonics technology challenges in neuroscience. The announcement also stresses the BRAIN initiative is a public-private partnership which will accelerate US leadership and create jobs in this increasingly important field.

Founded in 1966, Coherent, Inc. is a world leader in providing photonics based solutions to the commercial and scientific research markets, and is part of the Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600 Index and the Russell 2000. Please direct any questions about this press release to Magnus Bengtsson, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at (408) 764-4000. For more information about Coherent, including product and financial updates, visit our website at http://www.Coherent.com.