"Economic success is based not least on the results of research. And thriving research itself requires economic success. Successfully mastering this interaction is necessary for facing the challenges of the future." Professor Hubert Markl, then president of the Max Planck Society, made that statement summing up the need to promote innovative technologies during the awarding of the first Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis in November 2000.

The International Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis supports developers and researchers of outstanding innovations in applied laser physics in the realm of production, laser medicine and biotechnology. Three prizes in the amounts of 20,000 Euros, 10,000 Euros and 5,000 Euros are awarded every two years to individuals or project groups. The closing date for applications and proposals is November 30, 2003.

Laser technology is a perfect example of efforts to turn seminal research results into successful products. For industrial production technology, the invention of the laser was a stroke of good fortune, combining highest precision with flexibility. In medicine, lasers allow for more selective therapies and less stressful treatments. As a measuring instrument and micromanipulator, the laser has made important contributions in the field of biotechnolgy.

The criteria for the Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis are foreseeable, practical benefits and advantages for users and healthcare recipients. The international jury, made up of experts and leading figures from industry and science, evaluates submitted work for its progress of scientific findings in relation to the state of the art as well as its scientific creativity and quality.

Since 2000, there have been six recipients of the prize from Singapore, the U.S., and Germany for innovations in printing, diode laser technology, electronics, ophthalmology, microscopy and laser device development.

From personal applications and proposals, the jury will nominate a maximum of eight works. Then, at the invitation of the Berthold Leibinger Stiftung, the nominees have the opportunity to personally present their innovations to the jury in the spring of 2004.

The Berthold Leibinger Stiftung awards the biannual prize to foster advances in research and development in laser technology and to showcase the results to the public.

More information and application forms are available on the Internet at www.leibinger-stiftung.de.

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