ºÚÁÏÍø

News

Professor Päivi Törmä becomes Chair of the Millennium Prize Selection Committee

The International Selection Committee consisting of renowned scientists sifts and assesses the candidates for the Technology Prize worth €1 million.

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)

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Saija Simola
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

1 in 4 mental health patients hurt by wording in electronic health records, finds study

Errors, disrespectful language and information perceived as unnecessary in electronic health records can feel offensive to patients
Abstract close-up of colourful glass with swirling patterns in orange, blue, and purple hues.
Research & Art, Studies Published:

New DPSP tool for doctoral studies to be published on 18 May

A new tool for preparing and handling the doctoral personal study plan for doctoral students and supervising professors
Group of people sit around a wooden table discussing, with large maps pinned on the wall behind them.
Research & Art Published:

How trust in digital public services is being built together with migrants in Espoo

Digital public services are not equally accessible to everyone. In Espoo, the Trust-M research project is working to bridge this gap by developing services together with migrants.
Blue e-scooter parked in marked bay on paved path
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

E-scooters are here to stay – first global study maps the state of shared micromobility

Shared e-scooters, city bikes and other small vehicles have evolved from niche experiments into a standard part of urban transport worldwide. Rather than treating micromobility as a passing trend, public authorities should take an active role in shaping its development, researchers say.