I love the idea of the Longitude Prize 2014 – it’s like an X Factor for science.
The competition has been organised in order to give ordinary members of the public the chance to solve one of modern day’s greatest issues.
The idea is based on a challenge that was launched by the British Government in 1714, asking people to come up with a solution that would allow them to pinpoint a ship’s location at sea.
Watchmaker and carpenter John Harrison won by coming up with the first seafaring clock, the chronometer.
Members of the public will now be asked to vote for the 2014 challenge, choosing from six of the world’s problems today:
- How can we ensure everyone can have access to safe and clean water?
- How can we ensure everyone has nutritious, sustainable food?
- How can we fly without damaging the environment?
- How can we prevent the rise of resistance to antibiotics?
- How can we restore movement to those with paralysis?
- How can we help people with dementia live independently for longer?
Voting will take place between May 22 and June 25, after which the winning challenge will be announced.
We all then have five years to come up with a winning solution, for a chance to win a £10 million prize and build the world of tomorrow.
What a fantastic way to solve a worthy issue and encourage ‘normal’ people to be inventive at the same time. I love the idea that somewhere out there is a regular member of the public, going about their daily life, but with a great idea bubbling inside of them just waiting to get out.
I’m off to put my thinking cap on…
http://www.longitudeprize.org/