Malaysia, the APEC 2020 host economy, has declared this year’s theme as "Biodiversity for a Prosperous Economy", according to a written statement issued by the APEC Policy Partnership for Science, Technology, and Innovation and received here on Monday.
"Biodiversity underpins the health of our economies. Innovative research can contribute towards sustainable development by promoting best practices in waste management, food security, and energy use," Malaysia’s Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment, and Climate Change, Yeo Bee Yin, stated.
The 2020 ASPIRE Prize will be awarded to scientific research focused on biodiversity and the manner in which it contributes to local livelihoods, traditional and modern medicines, and economic development.
Since its establishment in 2011, the ASPIRE prize has recognized young scientists addressing issues, ranging from food security to sustainable ocean management as well as strengthening science and technology networks. The winning entry will receive US$25 thousand.
Each APEC economy may nominate one individual, who must be from the region and under 40 years of age. The impact of their work will be judged on the basis of their excellence in research and cross-border collaboration with peers from other APEC economies. Relevant academic disciplines encompass biology, chemistry, environmental science, and physics, among others.
"Having an enhanced knowledge and understanding of the complex relationships between biodiversity, global health, and development will lead to greater economic prosperity," Daniel Dufour, chair of the APEC Policy Partnership for Science, Technology, and Innovation, which administers the annual ASPIRE Prize, stated.
"Our economies are on the cusp of a pivotal change – we have before us an opportunity to come together to showcase research that may help us solve significant challenges ahead," Dufour remarked.
To be awarded in Malaysia in August 2020, the prize is co-sponsored by Wiley and Elsevier, renowned publishers of scholarly scientific knowledge.
"Biodiversity is essential for our collective future. This year, the ASPIRE Prize will highlight pioneering research that reduces environmental risks and promotes sustainability. It is an honor to support the high caliber of work within APEC," Brian Napack, Wiley’s CEO, stated.
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Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Sri Haryati
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