|
New award raises question: When is a Nobel prize not exactly a Nobel Prize? |
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2007 at 02:57 PM |
Today's news that the first new prize associated with the Nobel family in more than 40 years will be announced at the upcoming nanoTX'07 event was not news to me.
But the news that it's not exactly a new Nobel Prize either left me feeling slightly vicitmized by bait-and-switch. I heard from three different sources during Semicon West, on the condition of keeping my yap shut, that the award announcement at nanoTX was practically a done deal but was not told that it wasn't really a new Nobel in the accepted sense.
Although the award category is still under embargo, given the location it will likely have something to do with nanoscience/nanotech or cleantech. At this point, the working description of the new Dr. Michael Nobel Award mentions it is "intended to raise global awareness and promote remedies to the most pressing challenge of the 21st century," which sounds to me like code for "global warming, climate change and renewable energy."
All will be revealed on nanoTX's opening night in Dallas on Oct. 2 during the Nobel Laureates reception. Dr. Mike, great grand-nephew of Sir Alfred and chair of the his family society's board, will be the keynoter. The first awards will be presented in early 2008 to winners in four categories: scientists or institutions, political leaders, celebrities, and corporate leaders and companies.
|
Blogs 
