Congratulate an engineer for his or her contributions to society this week: 17-23 February has been designated Engineers Week by the National Society of Professional Engineers.

The International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE), an international society whose initiatives include educational and outreach activities for optics and photonics engineers and researchers around the world, is an Endorsing Sponsor of the event.

The observance is organized by the National Engineers Week Foundation, a formal coalition of more than 75 professional societies, major corporations, and government agencies working together.

Engineers Week observances around the U.S. will include career fairs, virtual problem-solving games, webcast interviews with engineers, student competitions, television and radio specials, museum events, and other activities.

Proficiency in science and mathematics is a concern worldwide. The recently released Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) measuring science, reading, and mathematics skills of 15-year-old students in 57 countries found low proficiency levels in both developed and developing countries. The report adds to a sense of urgency regarding the need for increased support for science, technology, and mathematics education.