As a global industry leader in innovative solutions and technologies, Borealis has already placed sustainability firmly at the core of its business, but the journey towards a sustainable future is still far from over. Making Borealis’ vision of leading a sustainable transformation by putting innovative plastic and base chemical solutions to work, bringing about a future that is fully circular, a reality requires fresh thinking. In order to further facilitate this transformation, Borealis created the Borealis Scientific Innovation Award (BSIA) that celebrates innovation and gives a platform to ideas with the power to impact the world in a positive way. The goal of the award is to accelerate the circular transformation by encouraging the dedication and diligence needed to drive sustainable progress.
Previously named the Borealis Student Innovation Awards, a competition only open for students that ran for ten years, this year the field has been widened to include academia as well as the scientific community – including start-ups, scale-ups, engineers, and chemical engineers. In doing so, the field of talent and innovative ideas and the possibility for a larger global impact have increased.
Applicants can submit their peer-reviewed scientific publication or thesis presenting novel ideas on one of the three following areas by September 5, 2023:
- The reduction of greenhouse gasses using renewables
- Sustainable manufacturing technologies and use of polyolefins
- Carbon-neutral production of hydrocarbons
Upon submission, a panel of high-level Borealis research representatives will carefully assess the applications and select three winners. The awardees will be contacted about their results on September 18, 2023, and will be invited to present their work in person at the recognition ceremony in the Borealis Innovation Headquarters in Linz, Austria, on October 17, 2023.
The prizes consist of a certificate, a financial award (EUR 5,000 for first place, EUR 2,000 for second place, and EUR 1,000 for third place), a Borealis-financed trip to Linz, Austria and, of course, the invaluable opportunity for exposure and networking.
“The Borealis Scientific Innovation Award provides not only a valuable platform for great minds to be discovered and make a true global impact, but also an opportunity for Borealis to inspire and be inspired through collaborative efforts outside of the company. Together, we can shape the future of the world and encourage the transformation towards a more sustainable, circular model”, says Thomas Gangl, CEO Borealis.