Benoit Mandelbrot, recognized for originating the field of fractal geometry, has joined the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Fractals, unique computer-generated graphical forms created using mathematical formulas, are Benoit Mandelbrot and a Mandlebrot setalso viewed as art; the best known of these is the Mandelbrot set. Researchers use fractals to model and measure irregular patterns and structures, such as the rough edges of a coastline, that cannot be represented by classical geometry. Today, it is common to find fractals applied to many fields, including economics, linguistics, meteorology, demography and fine arts. Mandelbrot will hold the title of Battelle Fellow, the laboratory’s highest technical position. He will work primarily from a Battelle office in Cambridge, Mass., leading a project to further advance multifractal mathematics in the US. Battelle, based in Ohio, develops technology and manages laboratories, including five national labs for the DOE. . . . Corning Inc. will present its overview of the optical fiber market at its 25th annual Optical Fiber Market Briefing at OFC/NFOEC 2006, to be held March 5-10 in Anaheim, Calif. The briefing will be conducted via a live audio conference call and Webcast March 7 at 8:30 a.m. PST. Eric S. Musser, vice president and general manager of Corning Optical Fiber, will provide an update on worldwide fiber demand by region and application and an overview of the global fiber-to-the-home market environment. For more information, visit: www.corning.com. . . The UK's IEE (Institution of Electrical Engineers) is accepting entries for its 2006 Innovation in Engineering Awards, which will be presented Oct. 11 at a gala at IEE headquarters in London. Award categories for individuals and companies include electronics, emerging technologies, information technology, manufacturing, power, product design, project team, robotics and control, security, sustainability, telecommunications and transport. New categories for 2006 are electronics, software design and startups. Entries must describe an innovative engineering project, product or process for commercial use that "demonstrates genuine novelty and represents a significant technological advance." The deadline for entries is June 30. For details, visit: www.iee.org/TheIEE/Awards/Innovation/