BMW Group Encourages Young People's Passion For Research

BMW Group has launched its seventh international Scientific Award. The theme for the 2003 international research prize is "Passion for Innovation" and a well-qualified jury will assess the scientific papers awarding prizes worth a total of 70,000 euros to the best entrants. University graduates, young scientists and researchers from all over the world are invited to submit their final dissertations by 10 March 2003 via their university departments.

"The BMW Group has undertaken the task of maintaining and encouraging a passion for research. With the Scientific Award, we are encouraging young people to tackle unsolved questions, develop new ideas and discover fascinating solutions", said Dr. Burkhard Göschel, Development Director and patron of the Scientific Award BMW Group 2003.

In line with its interdisciplinary character, the Scientific Award is open to all university graduates and researchers. Contributions from the natural sciences, engineering, information technology, medicine and information science are as welcome as works from the worlds of economics, the arts or law.

Entrants must submit their dissertations, MA studies or doctoral theses with the theme of "Passion for Innovation". The papers must have been completed between 1 January 2001 and 28 February 2003. The final date for submission of the outline, CV and participation declaration signed by the appropriate departmental professor is 10 March 2003.

An international jury made up of representatives from universities, science, business and industry will assess and select the papers submitted according to the criteria of "thematic relevance", "level of innovation", "usefulness to society and the environment" and "economic viability". The awards will be presented to the winners of the Scientific Award BMW Group 2003 in November 2003.

Since 1991, 33 young scientists have been presented with the BMW Group's Scientific Award with prize money totalling 550,000 euros. During these eleven years, the Scientific Award has spread far beyond the borders of Germany to become an internationally recognised research prize. In 2001 young researchers from more than 20 countries participated in the competition.

The Scientific Award enables BMW Group to not only promote new academic talent but also, through the close partnership with universities and research institutions, encourages an ongoing dialogue between business, science and society.

You will find detailed information on the Scientific Award BMW Group 2003 and conditions of entry online at: www.bmw.com/scientific-award .