G.D.Khoe
COBRA Institute Eindhoven University of Technology
Building EH-12 Den Dolech 2 5612 AZ
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Djan Khoe, g.d.khoe@cobra.tue.nl
1997 has been a fine year for LEOS in terms of further globalization. As already mentioned in the Newsletter of December 1997, a record has been set for LEOS chapters in terms of new chapters established in one year. In Region 8, we have been able to welcome new chapters in Belarus, Germany, Israel, Italy, Moscow and the Balkan region. This is the result of efforts of many LEOS members, in particular the BoG members, who contributed with suggestions and hints on potential chapter chairs. Another nice event was the well attended second Region 8 Chapter Meeting in Edinburgh. Our hope is that these results will contribute to a consistent increase in the number of LEOS members and LEOS activities. Some chapters have organised successful symposia and meetings. We encourage chapters to describe major events in the Newsletter.
I plan to pay special attention to student activities and student membership. An interesting gesture has been given by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Eindhoven. The Board of the Faculty has decided to reimburse the IEEE Membership Fee plus one Society Fee for all PhD students. When other universities can be persuaded to follow this example, a positive trend may be set in student memberships. Efforts to start student chapters were not successful so far. Possibilities to start Joint Society Student Chapters are being considered.
Another focus for this year is Senior Member and Fellow Elevation. We have the impression that especially in Region 8, many LEOS members qualify for a Senior Membership or higher. This is a special request to LEOS Senior Members and Fellows in Region 8 to be alert for potential candidates for grade elevation. I will ask LEOS friends and colleagues to pay attention to this issue and I hope that more Region 8 members will be interested to volunteer for LEOS. In that case, do not hesitate to contact me or the LEOS office.