Izatt Named 2021 Edwin H. Land Medal Recipient

The Optical Society (OSA) and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T) named Joseph Izatt, the Michael Fitzpatrick Distinguished Professor of Engineering in the Edmund T. Pratt, Jr. School of Engineering at Duke University, the 2021 Edwin H. Land Medal winner. Izatt is recognized for foundational contributions to the invention, development, and commercialization of optical coherence-based technologies for in vivo biomedical imaging, and for the education and mentoring of distinguished scientists and engineers.

“Joseph Izatt is a true leader in optical coherence-based imaging research whose entrepreneurial spirit and mentorship is emblematic of the Edwin Land Medal,” said 2021 OSA President Connie Chang-Hasnain, Whinnery Chair Professor Emerita of EECS at University of California, Berkeley, USA. “His trailblazing accomplishments have contributed to the development of technologies that will benefit society indefinitely.”

“The impact that Joseph Izatt has had on advancing optical coherence-based imaging to positively impact medical outcomes, especially in children, truly embodies the public spirit of Edwin Land,” said IS&T President Scott Silence, Program Manager/Director, Ribbon Ceramics at Corning Incorporated, USA. “His work also illustrates the unique value of deep academic and industrial connections, in keeping with the high standards of the Land Medal and with the mission of IS&T.”

Izatt is a pioneer in biomedical imaging, and has found success both as an entrepreneur and as a teacher. With a joint appointment in biomedical engineering and ophthalmology, Izatt is considered one of the leading experts in OCT, a medical imaging technique that allows researchers to peer beneath the surface of living tissues to diagnose and treat diseases. Although there are numerous uses of the technology, it is primarily used by eye doctors to detect and treat vision problems. Izatt has published over 200 technical papers and more than 350 contributed conference presentations, delivered 135 invited lectures and presentations, and holds over 75 US patents. He is a Fellow of OSA, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, the National Academy of Inventors and SPIE.