Borealis Scientific Innovation Award

The goal is to accelerate the circular transformation by encouraging the dedication and diligence needed to drive sustainable progress.

As a global industry leader in innovative solutions and technologies, Borealis has already placed sustainability firmly at the core of the business, but they still have work to do.

For this year’s award, Borealis is looking for pioneering ideas to shape the future of the industry and the planet. They want to hear from bold, disruptive thinkers from the professional and academic scientific communities, from entrepreneurs to university researchers, so that, with your help, they can re-invent essentials for sustainable living.

The vision is to lead a sustainable transformation by putting innovative plastic and base chemical solutions to work, bringing about a future that is fully circular. Making this a reality will require fresh thinking, so this year the Award will recognise three scientific papers that contribute new ideas in one of the following areas:

• The reduction of greenhouse gasses using renewables
• Sustainable manufacturing technologies and use of polyolefins
• Carbon neutral production of hydrocarbons

A panel of high-level Borealis research representatives will assess submissions and choose the three best ideas from among them. The winners will receive a financial reward, and an invitation to an exclusive hybrid awards ceremony, where finalists will have the opportunity to network and present ideas to Borealis’ senior leaders, as well as top scientists and professionals in the fields of chemicals and engineering.

What are the prizes?

• Winners will be invited to join the Borealis scientific community in celebration of their success. They will receive:
  • a recognition ceremony taking place during an in-person visit to the Borealis Innovation Headquarters in Linz, Austria on October 17, 2023, where finalists will have the chance to present their ideas and connect with representatives of Borealis’ Innovation and Technology team.
  • an in-person visit to the Borealis Innovation Headquarters in Linz, Austria, with the opportunity to become acquainted with industry leaders, subject matter experts and like-minded professionals. Travel and accommodation for the event will be hosted by Borealis, with one invitation available per submission.
  • a financial reward for their accomplishment.
    • EUR 5,000: 1st place
    • EUR 2,000: 2nd place
    • EUR 1,000: 3rd place

Eligibility Criteria

• The competition is open to researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals in the fields of chemical engineering and sustainability with research in one of the selected areas.
• Your application needs to take the form of a peer-reviewed publication or thesis that describes an innovative idea concerning either the reduction of greenhouse gasses by means of renewable materials, carbon neutral production of hydrocarbons, or the sustainable manufacturing and use of polyolefins.

What are the steps to apply?

• Complete a short application form, and supply either a copy of your peer-reviewed publication or thesis, or the abstract.
• Optionally, you may include any further relevant documentation, as well as a cover letter.
• Award winners will be notified by September 18, 2023 and the awards ceremony will take place in Linz.

For more information, visit Borealis Scientific Innovation Award.