Bennet Commends Boulder Physicist David Wineland for 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics

Award Highlights Colorado Reputation as Pioneer in 21st Century Innovation Economy

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet commended Boulder’s David Wineland on being named a 2012 co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics. Wineland, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and lecturer at the University of Colorado, was awarded the Nobel Prize for inventing a method to observe quantum particles without destroying them.

“The Nobel Prize is a tremendous honor that recognizes unparalleled achievement. I commend Dr. Wineland for his research that will lead to exciting new discoveries,” Bennet said. “Dr. Wineland’s research highlights work all across Colorado in physics, bioscience, aerospace, software and IT, new energy technologies and other new and emerging fields. Education and innovation are our state’s and nation’s keys to remaining competitive and this award helps solidify our reputation as a pioneer in the 21st century innovation economy.”

Colorado’s innovation-based economy continues to attract high-skilled jobs and workers to the state. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced in July it will open a new regional office in the Denver metro region by 2014, bringing hundreds of new jobs with it. Last week, Hitachi Data Systems announced it will open a new office in Douglas County that is expected to employ between 300 and 500 individuals. That move allows Hitachi to work in close proximity to its sales and distribution partner, Arrow Electronics, which relocated its headquarters to Arapahoe County last year.