APEC to recognize 'intelligent transportation' innovator

Singapore, 13 Feb 2014 - APEC has opened the nomination period for the APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research, and Education, also known as the ASPIRE Prize, 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.

ENDS

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