In Washington, the Optical Society of America’s (OSA) board of directors has announced that it has elevated 61 members to the rank of fellow. The members will be recognized individually at meetings throughout 2009. Any regular OSA member who has served with distinction in the advancement of optics is eligible for transfer to the class of fellow. OSA’s Fellow Members Committee recommends candidates to the board of directors based on nominations from current fellow members. The number of fellows is limited by the bylaws to no more than 10 percent of the total membership. According to OSA, this year’s fellows represent the best and brightest in optics and photonics worldwide, with more than half hailing from outside the US. Fellows are selected from a variety of criteria, including record of significant publications or patents related to optics, service to OSA, achievements in optics and management ability. A list of the fellows and specific information on each one’s accomplishments can be found here.