Innovation awards call for entries

Australasia's status as a world leader in innovation and technology will once again be recognised by the 2006 DuPont Australia and New Zealand Innovation Awards.

Now in its second year, the awards were created to recognise and reward excellence in science and innovation.

The DuPont Innovation Awards acknowledge the introduction of something new, a new idea or innovation, or a new method, technology, application, product or service that improves Australia's and/or New Zealand's competitiveness, illustrates innovative spirit or demonstrates tenacity.

Managing director of DuPont Australia and New Zealand, Hutch Ranck said the awards are open to not only all users of DuPont products, technologies, applications or services, but those who work independently of DuPont.

"We would like to give recognition to innovators who use our products as well as those who do not," he said.

"These awards are all about giving credit where credit is due. We have some amazing science-based solutions in both Australia and New Zealand and this is their chance to get the attention they deserve."

There are seven categories in which to enter, they are Construction & Architecture, Health and Safety, Performance Materials, Agricultural Production & Marketing (Open Category), Tertiary Student Award (Open Category), Open Category, and DuPont Chairman's Award.

Three nominees will be selected from each of the categories and winners will be announced at the DuPont Innovation Awards presentation in Melbourne on 12 May 2006.

DuPont Australia is the leader in applied solutions and technology and since 1802 has been making a difference in people's lives by providing science-based solutions.

The DuPont Australia and New Zealand Innovation Awards are independently judged by a panel of experts. There is no charge to enter. To enter log on to www.DuPontinnovationawards.com. Entries close on 4 November 2005.