2016 Berthold Leibinger Innovation Prize opens call for applications and nominations

The Berthold Leibinger Innovation Prize, which honors implemented inventions or technical development in applied laser technology biennially, is accepting applications and nominations for its 2016 prizes through December 31, 2015.

The award ceremony, to be held on September 9, 2016 in Ditzingen, Germany, will award €30,000 (~$33,800) for the first-prize winner, €20,000 (~$22,500) for the second prize, and €10,000 (~$11,300) for the third prize. At the same time, the private foundation will award an individual with the prestigious Berthold Leibinger Zukunftspreis for laser research, which includes a €30,000 award. Scientific societies and groups, as well as professional associations from around the world that focus on lasers or photonics, can nominate candidates.

A jury of international experts will choose the prize winners as well as up to eight finalists for the innovation prize. Finalists are invited to the jury session in May 2016 to present their innovations personally. Travel expenses are paid by the foundation.

Those eligible to apply or to be nominated for the Innovation Prize are individuals and project groups worldwide whose innovations' main development efforts and market potential lie in the application of laser light or the development of laser devices. Submitted work must be completed and disclosure must not be restricted. Applications may be submitted by post or electronically, in English. Both individual applications and well-supported nominations are allowed for the innovation prize.

The international Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis, from the nonprofit foundation Berthold Leibinger Stiftung, is granted every other year--and has been since 2000. The first Berthold Leibinger Zukunftspreis for research in applied laser technology was awarded in 2006.

For more information, please visit www.leibinger-stiftung.de.