Light in the Service of Mankind

Abstract

Understanding the nature of light has stimulated scientific research over many centuries and progress in the description of electromagnetic radiation has been key in the development of modern science. Some highlights in this story are celebrated in the context of the International Year of Light YL2015 declared by UNESCO, which were the backdrop for scientific meetings held in Caceres (Spain) and in Poland (Wroclaw) involving the European Academy of Sciences Arts and Letters. It is emphasised that this long history of research on Light is by no means over, and has resulted in many important advances, including such applications as the laser and the harnessing of solar energy for electric power generation, of great importance for the economic development of Southern regions such as North Africa. Cultural aspects of the importance of light (in the Arts, in literature and in philosophy) are also mentioned.