The Gannochy Trust and The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) are calling for entries to their 2010 Innovation Award, which carries one cash prize of £50,000 and a specially commissioned gold medal.

The closing date for entries is 14th May 2010. Targeted at the next generation of Scottish innovators, any individual aged 45 and under, working in Scotland is eligible to enter provided they have an innovation which has reached or passed "Proof of concept" stage and will make an important contribution to Scotland's well being.

John Swinney MSP, Scotland’s Minister for Finance and Sustainable Growth said:"Scotland has a long and proud record of innovation. The Gannochy Trust Innovation Award will help ensure that a new generation of Scots innovators will maintain that tradition.

"The Scottish Government's economic strategy highlights the crucial importance of innovation to improving productivity and increasing sustainable economic growth and we welcome the excellent work by the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Gannochy Trust in spreading that message."


Scottish inventors have created penicillin, lime cordial, the telephone, the television, and pneumatic tyres to list a few.

"The Gannochy Trust Innovation Award of The Royal Society of Edinburgh seeks to encourage younger people to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology and research which promote Scotland’s inventiveness internationally. It also recognises outstanding individual achievement which contributes to the common good of Scotland," said RSE President Lord Wilson of Tillyorn.

Dr Colin Urquhart is a past winners of this prestigious award. His breakthrough technology is the first commercial application in the world that uses passive stereo photogrammetry to instantaneously capture accurate, high resolution 3D surface images.

It’s easy to enter – a nomination form must be completed in full, with an additional two A4 single-sided pages attached. The names of two referees must be provided, and a one-page CV must be included with the nomination papers.

The individuals nominated must be based in Scotland, or have other substantial connections with Scotland, be able to demonstrate outstanding innovation and achievement, and the potential for social and economic benefit and must be aged 45 and under at January 1st 2010. The closing date for entries is 14th May 2010. Application forms are available from The Royal Society of Edinburgh.

(GK/BMcC)