One million Euro science award

The Altran Foundation For Innovation has announced a one million Euro, international science and technology award for 2004. The objective of the competition is to help tackle the looming mismatch between the interests of today's youth and the demands of tommorrow's economy. A collapse in economic growth may be inevitable if this issue is not addressed now. Michel Friedlander, president of the Altran Foundation For Innovation, says; "The Altran Foundation is worried about an impossible tension that exists in today's western economies. On one hand there is a lack of interest and a suspicion of science that is growing amongst the young. On the other is the need for more and more scientists and technologists to drive modern western economies that are founded upon technological research and development. If the two are not reconciled....... "The 2004 Altran Foundation for Innovation prize aims to tackle this and will single out innovations that make science appealing and accessible to the widest possible audience. It is a very exciting competition and we are hoping that there will be many entries from the UK competing for the first prize in Paris next year." The competition is open to anyone who can present an idea that best promotes innovation in the discovery, understanding, and enjoyment of the sciences. Entries are being sought from research companies, businesses, schools, universities and private individuals living or working in the UK. `The winner of the 2004 award will be given up to 1 million euro worth of technological and other related consulting expertise in the form of personalised support for their winning project or projects. Absolutely anyone is at liberty to enter, no matter what their age or background. Those who wish to find out more about the competition can find details on The Altran Foundation For Innovation web site at www.fondation-altran.org. Applications are due January 15 2003. ENDS "In the UK, the proportion of A-level students who have chosen to study three arts and humanities has held steady at roughly 50 per cent of the cohort since the early 1960s, while the proportion studying three sciences has fallen dramatically, from about 45 per cent in 1962 to about 15 per cent in 1995.