The Government of the State of Israel considers the research, development and integration of technologies reducing global use of petroleum in transportation to be an international mission. This effort requires the investment of national resources and is given top priority.
Thus, in 2011, the government of Israel, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, initiated the National Program to Reduce the Global Dependence on Oil, with an aim of encouraging global innovation and scientific and technical breakthroughs in the field of alternative transportation fuels.
In order to promote the goals of this initiative, the Prime Minister's Office, together with the Ministry of Science, Technology & Space and Keren Hayesod-UIA, will grant an annual award:
The Eric and Sheila Samson Prime Minister's Prize for Innovation in Alternative Fuels for Transportation. The prize will be awarded for global innovation or a scientific or technological breakthrough in the field of alternative fuels for transportation. Nominees for the prize should be actively engaged in innovative, paradigm-shifting research in this field that is worthy of significant and widespread attention and recognition. The recipient(s) can be citizens of any country and there will be no discrimination based on nationality, religion or gender.
The prize of one million US dollars will be awarded by the Prime Minister of the State of Israel and the Minister of Science Technology & Space.
Eric and Sheila Samson, permanent residents of Israel, are top international Jewish business leaders and philanthropists. They are highly devoted and committed to the State of Israel and to the mission of Keren Hayesod, and their major charitable undertakings enable the advancement of important national and international initiatives.
Nominations are open to citizens of any country.Deadline for nominations: March 16, 2015
Questions about the nomination process for the prize may be directed to Avi Anati :
avi@most.gov.il or by telephone: 972-2-5411168.