St Andrews Prize for the Environment

The University of St Andrews and international integrated energy company ConocoPhillips have today announced the call for entries for the St Andrews Prize for the Environment 2011 – with over £78,000 in cash prizes to be won.

Now in its thirteenth year the primary objective of the prize is to find innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The solutions should be combine good science, economic reality and political acceptability.

Applications are invited from individuals, multi-disciplinary teams or community groups for the annual prize of £47,000 for the winner and £15,700 for each of the two runners up.

The prize offers people from all backgrounds around the world the chance to help transform their environmental ideas into reality and also provides a network of connections and support.

Professor Ian Johnston of the University of St Andrews, one of the co-ordinators of the prize, said:

“The St Andrews prize is going from strength to strength attracting an impressive range of practical projects in sustainable development from around the world.  Past winners have used the prize money and the support network provided by the Trustees to bring lasting improvements to the quality of life and environment of people in some of the poorest communities worldwide.”

Last year the prize was awarded to a team from Queen’s University in Belfast who developed an innovative method of removing arsenic from ground water without using chemicals. This method has been used to tackle the alarming levels of arsenic contamination of water in West Bengal and operations have been established in six rural areas which now supply clean, arsenic-free water to the local communities.

Recognising significant contributions to environmental conservation, the prize has attracted entries from more than 50 countries each year since its launch, on topics as diverse as: sustainable development in the Amazon rainforest, urban re-generation, recycling, health and water issues, and renewable energy.

Submissions for the prize will be judged by trustees from across science, industry and government.

Notes to News Editors

The deadline for entries is October 31, 2010.

For full details about the prize and how to enter go to: www.thestandrewsprize.com or contact the St Andrews Prize for the Environment Office on +44 (0)1334 462161.

Issued by the University of St Andrews

Contact: Emma Shea, Communications Manager, on 01334 462 109 or email [email protected]