BANGKOK, January 25, 2016 - Today, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the U.S. Mission to ASEAN and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with UL, launched the second annual ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women.

By 2035, ASEAN’s energy needs are projected to more than double to meet the region’s targeted economic growth. Therefore, this year’s prize is focused on sustainable energy research and will be awarded to an innovative, early-career woman scientist from the ASEAN region. She will receive a $25,000 award and be recognized during the 2016 ASEAN ministerial meeting on science and technology.

"Strong measures are necessary to promote sustainable energy in the ASEAN region," said Beth Paige, Director of USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia. "Smart buildings, energy efficient vehicles and improved fuel cells are just a few of the many ideas that tap  science and technology to help us reduce reliance on fossil fuels."

Any female citizen and resident of an ASEAN member state with a Ph.D. whose research focuses on the topic area and who is less than 40 years of age can self nominate or be nominated for the prize. Selection criteria include scientific excellence and creativity, regional relevance and inspiration and leadership. Full application details and eligibility requirements can be found at: http://go.usa.gov/cUhrW. 

"Women are a critical component of any nation’s intellectual capital," said U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN, Nina Hachigian. "This award highlights the work of exceptionally talented female scientists throughout ASEAN, helping to inspire young women to pursue science and technology careers."

The ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women was first launched in 2014. Nuttaporn Pimpha, a senior researcher at the Thailand National Nanotechology Center (NANOTEC), was awarded for her exemplary work aimed to improve the availability of clean and safe drinking water in the ASEAN region.

Applications and nominations will be accepted from January 25 to April 1, 2016.

For additional information, please contact: scienceprizeforwomen@gmail.com.