Three European top scientists shortlisted for Millennium Technology Prize 2010

Three European scientists have been shortlisted for the 2010 Millennium Technology Prize, the world’s largest award for technological innovations. The prize, which is awarded by Technology Academy Finland, is aimed at promoting technological research and innovations that have a positive impact on the quality of human life and well-being.

This year’s winning prize of 800 000 euros will be presented to one of the following three scientists: Cavendish Professor of Physics, Sir Richard Friend at the University of Cambridge, UK; Professor of Computer Engineering Stephen Furber at the University of Manchester, UK; and Professor Michael Grätzel, Director of the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces at the Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne, Switzerland. The winner will be announced in Helsinki on June 9th.

Professor Friend’s work in plastic electronics has revolutionized the field of optoelectronics, with far-reaching consequences for energy efficient applications in display devices, lighting, sensing and solar energy harvesting. His initial innovation included producing organic light emitting diodes and his use of polymers as solution processed semiconductors has enabled products such as electronic paper, cheap organic solar cells and illuminating wall papers.

Professor Furber is the principal designer of the 32 bit ARM microprocessor, which is based on RISC technology. The ARM processor, which was developed 25 years ago, is found in most handheld electronic devices and in more than 98 percent of the world’s mobile phones. More than 18 billion ARM-based processors have been manufactured so far.

Professor Grätzel is the developer of third generation dye-sensitized solar cells, known as "Grätzel cells". These relatively low cost solar cells offer much promise in the search for affordable, renewable energy technologies.

The Millenium Technology Prize is a Finnish tribute to life-enhancing technological innovation, which is awarded every second year. The previous prize was presented in 2008 to Professor Robert Langer who is known for instance for his innovative work in the field of tissue engineering.

Technology Academy Finland is supported by Finnish organizations, industry and the state. The laureates are nominated to the board of Technology Academy Finland foundation by an international selection committee.

www.millenniumprize.fi