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The Board of Technology Academy Finland has chosen four new members to the International Millennium Prize Selection Committee. It appointed Professor Päivi Törmä from Aalto University Chair of the Committee, and appointed another three new members: Jonathan Knowles, Visiting Professor at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM); Tero Ojanperä, Managing Partner at the investment fund Vision+-; and Hanna Viertiö-Oja, Chief Scientist at GE Healthcare Finland.

‘Scientific and technological progress has always been a prerequisite for civilized society and well-being. The Millennium Prize tells about this through concrete and inspiring examples,’ says Törmä, delighted about her appointment.

The members of the Selection Committee – eight renowned scientists from the academic world and businesses – represent different disciplines of technology. Päivi Törmä is Professor at the School of Science, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Computational Nanoscience (COMP), and a theoretical physicist, whose research focuses on long-range coherence phenomena, the theory of ultracold gases, nanoplasmonics, quantum optics, and nanoelectronics and microelectronics. Törmä has been chosen Academy Professor for the five-year term 2017–2021.

Innovations that promote better quality of life

The Millennium Technology Prize is a Finnish recognition to innovations that promote a better quality of life. The prize supports and highlights technology research and promotes Finland’s reputation as a country of advanced technology. The prize totalling €1 million is awarded every two years; the next time will be in May 2018.

The International Selection Committee sifts and assesses the nominations for the Millennium Technology Prize. The members of the Selection Committee have access to all material prepared by the nominators and familiarise themselves more closely with the most promising candidates. The Board of Technology Academy Finland chooses the members of the Selection Committee based on the proposals made by Aalto University. The maximum term for each member is eight years.

(Technology Academy Finland)