(New York, May 8, 2020) — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a wave of seemingly conflicting statements and opinions about the disinfection capabilities and safety of GUV, and in support of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Photobiology Committee Report (CR-2-20-V1 [click here]) Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) – Frequently Asked Questions, a webinar was held on May 7, 2020 entitled Germicidal Ultraviolet Disinfection in the Days of COVID-19.
Over 3,000 individuals from 59 countries watched this 4 hour long live webinar, making it the highest attended event in the history of the IES (est. 1906). This free educational program featured Rolf Bergman, Don Forbes, Paul Jenson, Edward Nardell, Dean Saputa, David Sliney, and Richard Vincent who discussed germicidal ultraviolet (GUV), photobiological basics, carcinogenicity risk, UV-C lamp sources, relevant research, and more.
“The IES is lucky to have dedicated volunteers willing to present beneficial and relevant educational content in support of our members and the global lighting community at large,” said Tom Butters, director of education at the IES. “This is our most successful event to date and we could not be more proud. Hopefully those in attendance found it equally rewarding.”
“I have never been more proud of the IES than I am today. Many first time participants with the IES were able to witness the quality of educational content that our members have come to expect from the IES. While many from our industry might be facing difficult times, it is our hope that we can provide steadiness and leadership as part of our mission to benefit the public and our lighting community,” said Jennifer Jaques, president of the IES Board of Directors.
“Ensuring that we execute on the mission of the Society is paramount in all IES activities, and this presentation did just that,” said Tim Licitra, executive director of the IES. “Supporting the lighting industry during this time of uncertainty is our primary goal and we would not have been able to do that without the dedication from our volunteers, staff, vendors, and the 3,000 individuals from all around the world that participated in this historic event.”
The recording of this event will be available on-demand in the coming days.