APEC has opened the nomination period for the APEC Science Prize for
Innovation, Research, and Education, also known as the ASPIRE Prize,
sponsored by John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., and Elsevier,
which in 2014 will honor a young scientist whose work has made an
outstanding contribution to ‘intelligent transportation.’
The theme reflects APEC member economies’ focus on improving regional
connectivity further during China’s year as APEC chair, including joint
work on infrastructure development and the promotion of sustainable
transportation solutions.
It was selected in recognition of the bigger influence transportation is
exerting on economic growth, environmental protection and people's
livelihoods as more APEC economies face rapid urbanization.
“Infrastructure needs are becoming more apparent and must be addressed
to support increasing flows of goods and people that are crisscrossing
the Pacific Rim,” added Dr Alan Bollard, the APEC Secretariat’s
Executive Director. “Joint research within the region is helping to
improve infrastructure planning, construction and management to create
more efficient supply chains, and in ways that take economic and
environmental considerations into greater account.”
The ASPIRE Prize celebrates collaboration between APEC researchers,
universities, research centers and businesses that fosters ideas and
technologies which drive more robust, integrated and sustainable
economic activity. Nominees are evaluated based on the merits of their
research, as validated by scholarly publication, and collaboration with
scientists from other APEC economies.
This year’s ASPIRE Prize spotlights developments in areas such as civil
engineering, intelligent transport systems, traffic engineering and
urban planning. The goal is to encourage innovation that is vital to
ensuring better connectivity in the APEC region.
Asian economies will require about USD8 trillion in infrastructure
development for the period between 2010 and 2020 alone, according to the
Asian Development Bank.
“'Intelligent transportation solutions will enhance the efficiency and
effectiveness of regional connectivity and promote smart, clean and
low-carbon urbanization,” said Dr. Agus Hoetman, Chair of the APEC
Policy Partnership for Science, Technology, and Innovation which
administers the ASPIRE Prize.
The award will be presented later this year. It is sponsored by Wiley
and Elsevier, two publishers of scholarly scientific knowledge. The
winner will receive USD25,000 in prize money.
“The 2014 ASPIRE Prize recognizes scientists from the APEC region who
are working together on innovative solutions and systems to solve
transportation and urbanization challenges,” said Stephen M. Smith,
Wiley’s President and CEO.
“The award nominations that are submitted as APEC China 2014 gets
underway will provide a window into how young researchers are
contributing to the region's growth and connectivity,” concluded
YoungSuk Chi, Chairman of Elsevier.
Each of APEC’s 21 member economies may nominate one individual under 40
years of age for the 2014 ASPIRE Prize.
For more information, please visit: http://www.apec.org/aspire.
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For more information or to arrange possible interview opportunities,
please contact David Hendrickson +65 9371 8901 atdrh@apec.org or
Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at mc@apec.org.
More details about APEC’s 2014 priorities and initiatives for the year
can be found on www.apec.org or www.apec-china.org.cn.
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