ABB drives global research in power and automation-applications now being accepted for 2016 ABB Research Award

With the grant money, ABB intends to provide the recipient with an opportunity to continue conducting advanced research in the chosen field, culminating in innovative results being presented to the international scientific and business communities. The award will be presented in mid-2016 at a gala awards ceremony in Switzerland.

"I'm looking forward to seeing a large number of applications," said Ulrich Spiesshofer, chief executive officer of the ABB Group. "At ABB, we want to facilitate the ability of young scientists to pursue their research and innovate in the fields of power and automation and, in doing so, give them a chance to enhance the performance of technologies used in the power, industry, transportation, and infrastructure sectors to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact."

To be considered for the award, applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their doctoral advisor in addition to their particulars including academic department, topic of the dissertation, an executive summary in English, and a brief description of the planned research project that the personal grant will be used to complete.

Outstanding dissertations in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, industrial software, artificial intelligence, robotics, process automation, or related disciplines which have been approved in the past three years — between 2013 and 2015 — can be submitted. Work in the fields mentioned above dealing with topics relevant to the utilities, industry, transportation, and infrastructure sectors will have good prospects for winning the award. ABB also values research that paves the way for pioneering industrial solutions through the creative use of software, electronics, or new materials.

A high-caliber international jury will select the best application. In addition to the fulfillment of all scientific and formal quality standards, the following criteria will inform the jury's decision: potential for innovation, specific practical application, benefit to the environment and society, and a compelling presentation of the results.

ABB established the research award at the beginning of this year in honor of recent chairman of the Board of Directors Hubertus von Gruenberg. The grant will be awarded for the first time in 2016 and once every three years thereafter. Physicist Dr. Hubertus von Gruenberg has inspired the research award named after him by embodying the values it represents — dedication to science and commerce, a passion for research, business acumen, and the firm belief that innovation forms the foundation upon which sustainable growth and successful enterprises are built.