Potocnik patron of new 'European Science-to-Business Award'
Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik is the patron of the new 100,000 euro Degussa European Science-to-Business Award for interdisciplinary research with clear business potential, which was launched in Brussels on 22 November. The award targets scientists under the age of 35 who have carried out research at a European facility in the last two years that shows real commercial promise. The initiative was launched by Degussa AG, Germany's market leading speciality chemicals company, in partnership with the financial newspaper Handelsblatt and the international business school INSEAD. Speaking at the launch ceremony, the award's patron Mr Potocnik said: 'I like this initiative for several reasons: it is a showcase for excellence in European research, it makes a connection between research and business [...] and awards help encourage young people to take up careers in research.' Sustainable partnerships must be built between research and industry, the Commissioner continued, as 'too many research results simply end up in dusty drawers'. He described the Degussa award as being fully in line with the EU's strategy for Growth and Jobs, but added: 'Event the best strategy is not worth much if the money isn't available [...]. The time is right for action, an award that recognises the contribution of research to business has my strong support.' The theme for the 2006 prize is 'materials science and associated technologies', and the deadline for applications is 1 March. As well as claiming the 100,000 euro first prize, the winners will also be offered a place in an INSEAD general management training course, and receive consultancy on business concept planning from the school. Dr Alfred Oberholz, the Degussa management board member responsible for research and development, concluded: 'We are good in Europe at invention, but not so good at innovation - more needs to be done [...]. Degussa believes that it should send a clear signal that we can only meet this challenge if the public and private sector both invest more in research, and strengthen the links between research and business.'
Countries
Germany