SHANGHAI - AkzoNobel has reinforced its commitment to encouraging sustainable growth through technical innovation by launching its Science Award in China.

 

Established in partnership with the Chinese Chemical Society, the honor - to be known as the AkzoNobel Chemical Sciences Award - will be granted to three scientists every two years.

 

Originally set up in 1970 to recognize groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and outstanding scientific contributions, the current AkzoNobel Science Award is presented annually and alternates between Sweden and the Netherlands.

 

AkzoNobel has been making substantial investments in China since the early 1980s and now has 25 manufacturing facilities and more than 6,000 employees throughout the country. The newest site, in Ningbo, will be one of the company's largest locations. The first production facility will come on stream early next year.

 

Nominations for the first award will take place in early 2010. The laureates - who will each receive a prize of RMB 100,000 - will be selected by an independent panel convened by the Chinese Chemical Society. They will receive their award at a special ceremony to be staged during the annual meeting of the Chinese Chemical Society in June 2010.