12.5.2008
WORK BY THE INTERNATIONAL SELECTION COMMITTEE CONTINUES
The International Selection Committee held a meeting in Finland after the announcement of the 2008 Laureates. The Committee is currently preparing a recommendation concerning the winner of 2008 Millennium Technology Prize for presentation to the Board of Technology Academy Finland.
Criteria for awarding the prize do not focus on lifetime achievements or purely academic work. “The primary criterion is an innovation’s impact on the quality of human life and sustainable development,” says Dr. Tapio Alvesalo, Secretary of the International Selection Committee.
The ultimate decision on the winner is made by the Board of Technology Academy Finland on the basis of a recommendation made by the International Selection Committee. Professor Marja Makarow, who is chairing the committee, said "Our work continues until we have a unanimous proposal concerning the winner."
The Winner of the Millennium Technology Prize will be awarded € 800,000 and the other Laureates will each be awarded € 115,000. The Laureates will meet in Helsinki during Millennium Technology Week in June. The identity of the ultimate Winner will be announced on 11th June.
