RSE/BP Hutton Prize in Energy Innovation Press Release 04 April

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), supported by the BP Trust has launched the inaugural RSE/ BP Hutton Prize in Energy Innovation for 2011. The prize is named in honour of the eminent Scottish Geologist James Hutton, who was a Fellow of the RSE. His most important contribution to science was his Theory of the Earth, published in 1785, for which Hutton has earned the accolade of founder of modern geology. The Hutton Prize, which carries an award of 10,000 funded by the BP Trust, will be made on a biennial basis. It will be awarded to an early career researcher based in Scotland who has shown a significant individual contribution to energy innovation through research and knowledge exchange. The RSE and the BP Trust have had a partnership promoting Research Fellowships dating back to the late 1980s and these awards are currently made biannually. The Hutton prize will be awarded in the intervening years. The selection panel will be the members of the Committee that currently awards the BP Research Fellowships. Professor Alan Miller, Chair of the BP Research Fellowships Committee commented, The RSE is delighted with the continued support that the BP Trust provides to stimulate and recognise excellence in research and innovation in Scotland. Given the importance of developing new, sustainable and innovative energy technologies it is particularly welcome that this new prize has been established. Trevor Garlick of BP, who serves on the Committee added, "BP is pleased to extend our partnership with the Royal Society of Edinburgh by supporting this exciting new prize. Energy will continue to play a vital role at the heart of Scotland' economy and s communities. It is important that Scotland' distinctive reputation for leading edge s research is applied to the energy innovation challenge." In selecting the prize winner, the Research Fellowships Committee will expect the outcomes of the research to have an impact, or potential impact, in economic and/or social benefits to humanity. The winner of the award will be invited to deliver the RSE/BP Hutton Prize Lecture, to be held at the RSE or another appropriate location. The closing date for applications for the 2011 Hutton Prize is Tuesday 26 April 2011.

Notes for Editors: Researchers in energy in the following disciplines are eligible to apply:
Geological Sciences Petroleum Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Civil Engineering Information Technology Solid State Sciences Related Social Sciences that advance the areas of Oil, Gas, Carbon Capture, Bioenergy, Biofuels or Renewable Technologies Chemical Engineering Control Engineering Chemistry

To be eligible an individual must be within 15 years of graduation from their primary degree. For further information about applications contact: Research Awards Co-ordinator Royal Society of Edinburgh 22-26 George Street Edinburgh EH2 2PQ 0131 240 2787 resfells@royalsoced.org.uk The nomination form can also be downloaded from: http://www.rse.org.uk/research_fellowships/BP_Hutton.htm For further information about the Royal Society of Edinburgh contact: Bristow Muldoon Head of Policy Advice Royal Society of Edinburgh 22-26 George Street Edinburgh EH2 2PQ 0131 240 2787 bmuldoon@royalsoced.org.uk

The RSE is Scottish Charity SC000470