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Representing the four groundbreaking innovations shortlisted for the world’s biggest technology award, the six Laureates for the 2008 Millennium Technology Prize are meeting each other for the first time today at a Millennium Technology Week press conference in Helsinki City Hall. The winner of the prize will be announced at a ceremony in Helsinki on 11 June.
"Our world is facing gigantic problems. Mankind needs scientific and technological breakthroughs. It is in this spirit that the Millennium Technology Prize is awarded every second year – to recognize and inspire innovations offering solutions that promote quality of life and sustainable development," said Stig Gustavson, Chairman of Technology Academy Finland. All four shortlisted innovations are benefiting the lives of billions of people.
The DNA fingerprinting technique developed by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, of the University of Leicester, has revolutionized the field of forensic science and methods of defining family relationships. Jeffreys's innovation has brought a new level of justice to the world, exonerating the innocent, reaffirming family relationships through kinship testing, and identifying the victims of disasters. "I am enormously proud of this recognition of DNA fingerprinting, a pride I am sure will be shared by countless police officers, lawyers, DNA practitioners and forensic scientists in whose lives DNA fingerprinting now plays such a major role," said Alec Jeffreys.
Professor Robert Langer has developed innovative biomaterials for controlled drug release. Over 100 million people already use these advanced drug delivery systems every year and the number is rising rapidly. Langer’s work has also brought about significant advances in tissue engineering, including synthetic replacements for biological tissues such as artificial skin. "It’s a tremendous thrill to be a Millennium Prize Laureate and an honor to be included in the same group as the other Laureates who have made such important contributions to the world," said Robert Langer.
Dr. Andrew Viterbi’s innovation, the Viterbi algorithm, is used to avoid errors in wireless communications systems and digital devices such as mobile phones. The Viterbi algorithm decoder is a component in almost all digital mobile phones, improving the efficiency of phone networks and reducing costs. "It’s a great honor to be considered for this award, particularly in a nation renowned for its contributions to wireless communication and home to the world leader in the cellular phone market," said Andrew Viterbi.
The fourth innovation competing for the Prize, the erbium-doped fibre amplifier (EDFA), invented by Professor Emmanuel Desurvire, Dr. Randy Giles and Professor David Payne, has resulted in a vast increase in the transmission capacity of global optical fibre networks. Almost every phone call, e-mail or downloaded file passes through an optical amplifier on the way to its destination. The EDFA has enabled an almost indefinite increase in the range of terrestrial and undersea data links and has permitted fibre-based telecommunications to be extended to all corners of the earth. "Being a Laureate for such a prestigious Prize is a source of pride for our professional community," said Emmanuel Desurvire. "Inventions by every one of the Laureates are remarkable and are making their indelible marks in the record of human achievement,” said Randy Giles. "This is an accolade not only for my co-laureates and myself, but also a recognition for the global photonics community," said David Payne.
The prize pool for the 2008 Millennium Technology Prize is EUR 1.15 million. The Winner of the Millennium Technology Prize will be awarded EUR 800,000 and the other innovations will each be awarded EUR 115,000.
Latest News
Keep your home secure and enjoy the summer | |
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 | Keep your home secure and enjoy the summerSummer burglary campaign adviceAs the weather warms up Leicestershire Police is reminding residents to secure their windows and doors every time they leave their homes. The force is launching a summer campaign to help prevent an increase in burglaries across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.... 25 May 2012 Keep your home secure and enjoy the summer |
Jewellery stolen in robbery on Launde Road | |
| Jewellery stolen in robbery on Launde RoadOfficers are appealing for witnesses following a robbery on Launde Road, Oadby. The incident took place on Tuesday, May 8 at around 3pm.... 25 May 2012 Jewellery stolen in robbery on Launde Road |
'Protect your gold leaflets issued in Leicester | |
| 'Protect your gold leaflets issued in LeicesterAdvice leaflet issuedAdvice leaflets will be distributed in Leicester this weekend urging residents to protect your gold. The leaflets - which contain crime prevention tips and urge residents to report any suspicious activity - are being pushed through letterboxes and handed out in places of worship and community centres to raise awareness of a recent rise in burglaries in which Asian gold jewellery has been targeted.... 25 May 2012 'Protect your gold leaflets issued in Leicester |
New technology boosts independence | |
 | Adults & Communities24 May 2012New technology boosts independenceCutting edge technology provided by the county council is helping people to stay in their own homes, giving peace of mind to their relatives. Maisie Walker from Shepshed is enjoying her freedom again, despite epilepsy, thanks to Leicestershire County Council.... 24 May 2012 New technology boosts independence |
Businesses to benefit from successful transport bid | |
| Environment & Transport24 May 2012Businesses to benefit from successful transport bid Leicestershire County Council has today learned it has been successful in a bid for 4m to boost sustainable transport. The Government cash will benefit businesses and residents, primarily in and around Loughborough and Coalville, by funding schemes designed to alleviate congestion, boost the local economy and reduce carbon.... 24 May 2012 Businesses to benefit from successful transport bid |
Related News
Chance to sit in the World's Top Cop Car at the Highcross this Saturday | |
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 | As part of Inside Justice Week - a week for the public to learn how the Criminal Justice System works for them - mums, dads and children and those who love technology and gadgets are invited to learn how the most advanced police car in the world is helping Leicester's police officers catch more criminals and provide a better service to the public.... 20 Oct 2008 Chance to sit in the World's Top Cop Car at the Highcross this Saturday |
Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute | |
 | Four British companies have won a national competition to find the UKs most innovative sports concepts. The prestigious Gatsby Innovation Awards will enable the inventors of a heated football goalkeeping glove, golf putter grip, mountain bike front forks and a portable hydration monitor to work with experts from Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute.... 22 May 2008 Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute |
Loughborough University and adidas ensure England is represented at UEFA EURO 2008 competition | |
 | The England football team may not be taking part in the UEFA EURO 2008 competition, but thanks to Loughborough University and adidas the country will be represented at every match ? through the tournament's official match ball.... 05 Jun 2008 Loughborough University and adidas ensure England is represented at UEFA EURO 2008 competition |
NEW FINGERPRINT BREAKTHROUGH BY FORENSIC SCIENTISTS | |
 | University of Leicester and Northamptonshire Police research reveals new techniques for identifying prints on metal... 05 Jun 2008 NEW FINGERPRINT BREAKTHROUGH BY FORENSIC SCIENTISTS |
Loughborough's success in design competition continues | |
 | Design and Technology finalists from Loughborough University have been awarded top prizes at this year's RSA Design Direction Awards.... 22 May 2008 Loughborough's success in design competition continues |
Relevant News
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
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| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
WINNERS OF ?LEICESTER INVENTS? TO BE ANNOUNCED | |
 | Noon on 26th April, the University of Leicester's 'Celebrate Leicester Day', will be the moment when the region's youngest inventors, from 5 to 16 years, will know who has won the University's 'Leicester Invents' competition.... 23 Apr 2008 WINNERS OF ?LEICESTER INVENTS? TO BE ANNOUNCED |
Loughborough Tops for Teachers | |
 | Loughborough Universitys teacher training has been graded as outstanding the highest possible category by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). The grading followed a recent review of teacher training provision at the University.... 28 Apr 2008 Loughborough Tops for Teachers |
LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS 50 YEARS AS A SPACE SCIENTIST | |
 | An eminent British scientist, whose work has been celebrated among 100 Discoveries that Changed the World is to give a public lecture at the University of Leicester about his work, spanning half a century, as a space scientist. Professor Ken Pounds CBE, FRS, Emeritus Professor of Space Physics at the University of Leicester is a UK pioneer of space science and a founder of the space programme at the University of Leicester - now among the biggest academic space research centres in Europe.... 30 Apr 2008 LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS 50 YEARS AS A SPACE SCIENTIST |
PLASTICS THAT CAN REPLICATE NERVES, NOSES AND TONGUES | |
 | A type of plastic that exhibits metallic and semi-conductor-like properties will be described in an inaugural doctoral lecture at the University of Leicester.... 14 May 2008 PLASTICS THAT CAN REPLICATE NERVES, NOSES AND TONGUES |
Most Read News (today)
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
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 | Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis Anjam Nazir, Mohinder Singh, Baljinder Singh Three men from Leicester have pleaded guilty to their part in one of the country s biggest Cannabis smuggling operations. Leicestershire Constabulary is now able to provide details about the 36m drugs investigation following the conclusion of the trial at Winchester Crown Court today (Tuesday June 2).... 02 Jun 2009 Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis |
Second collision on M1 northbound | |
 | Leicestershire Constabulary are investigating a second fatal collision on the M1 northbound. The first collision happened at around 8.... 12 Nov 2008 Second collision on M1 northbound |
Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough | |
| Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in LoughboroughPaulius TroninasA 19-year-old man has today (Friday January 7, 2011) been found guilty of the assault and rape of a woman in Loughborough. Paulius Troninas, 19, of Paget Street, Loughborough was found guilty of rape and section 18 grievous bodily harm following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.... 07 Jan 2011 Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough |
Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious | |
| Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspiciousOfficers investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Shepshed have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The body was discovered in Butthole Lane at about 1pm on Wednesday January 5.... 06 Jan 2011 Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious |
Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley | |
| Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a building site in Hinckley. The incident happened at a building site at a premises on Baines Lane between 4.... 10 Mar 2009 Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley |
Most Read News (this month)
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
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| Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis Anjam Nazir, Mohinder Singh, Baljinder Singh Three men from Leicester have pleaded guilty to their part in one of the country s biggest Cannabis smuggling operations. Leicestershire Constabulary is now able to provide details about the 36m drugs investigation following the conclusion of the trial at Winchester Crown Court today (Tuesday June 2).... 02 Jun 2009 Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis |
Second collision on M1 northbound | |
| Leicestershire Constabulary are investigating a second fatal collision on the M1 northbound. The first collision happened at around 8.... 12 Nov 2008 Second collision on M1 northbound |
Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough | |
| Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in LoughboroughPaulius TroninasA 19-year-old man has today (Friday January 7, 2011) been found guilty of the assault and rape of a woman in Loughborough. Paulius Troninas, 19, of Paget Street, Loughborough was found guilty of rape and section 18 grievous bodily harm following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.... 07 Jan 2011 Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough |
Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious | |
| Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspiciousOfficers investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Shepshed have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The body was discovered in Butthole Lane at about 1pm on Wednesday January 5.... 06 Jan 2011 Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious |
Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley | |
| Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a building site in Hinckley. The incident happened at a building site at a premises on Baines Lane between 4.... 10 Mar 2009 Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley |
Most Read News (alltime)
House burgled in Sileby | |
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| House burgled in Sileby Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the report of a burglary in St Marys Road, Sileby. The incident happened at about 5pm on Tuesday April 4, when the victim, a woman in her eighties, heard a noise inside her home.... 19 Apr 2011 House burgled in Sileby |
Five Leicester men sentenced after illegal immigration scam | |
| Five Leicester men sentenced after illegal immigration scamTop L to R - Sandip Rana, Satish Ravat, Vishal Shah bottom L to R Bhavesh Patel and Jaswinder ChahalFive Leicester men have today (Thursday November 25) been sentenced for their part in an illegal immigration scam. Bhavesh Patel (27) of Columbine Road, Hamilton, Satish Ravat (28) of Arbour Road, Leicester, Sandip Singh Rana (29) of Moores Road, Leicester, Jaswinder Chahal (42) of Swithland Avenue, Leicester and Vishal Jitendra Shah (25) of Braemar Close, Leicester pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court at an earlier hearing to assisting unlawful immigration to a member state contrary to section 25 of the Immigration Act 1971.... 25 Nov 2010 Five Leicester men sentenced after illegal immigration scam |
Forensic Psychology | |
 | Volunteers are being sought to take part in a new study at the University of Leicester which will have important implications for forensic research. Participants are required to spend just 30 minutes undertaking memory tasks and questionnaires which will help to shed new light on the relationship between personality, the experience of life adversity, and eye-witness memory.... 23 May 2008 Forensic Psychology |
Multi agency forum test explosion exercise at Leicester Racecourse | |
| Multi agency forum test explosion exercise at Leicester RacecourseMembers from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum (LRF) have today (Wednesday October 27, 2010) been involved in a pre-planned exercise to test how emergency services would cope with a major incident. At 10.... 27 Oct 2010 Multi agency forum test explosion exercise at Leicester Racecourse |
Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road | |
| Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road Officers from the force s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road. The collision occurred at around 7.... 08 Jun 2009 Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road |