NVIDIA has invited researchers worldwide to submit their innovations for the 2016 NVIDIA Global Impact Award — an annual grant of $150,000 for groundbreaking work that addresses the world’s most important social and humanitarian problems.
The award will go to a researcher or institution “using NVIDIA technology to achieve breakthrough results with broad impact.” Among the many areas this includes are
- disease research
- drug design and development
- medical imaging
- energy and fuel efficiency
- weather prediction
- natural disaster response
- cyber security
Researchers, nonprofits or universities anywhere in the world may apply. However, government institutions are not eligible. NVIDIA technology should play a significant role in enabling the project. Multiple submissions from institutions and researchers are allowed.
This year’s recipient, the San Diego Supercomputer Center, was chosen from among more than 26 entries. An organized research unit of the University of California, San Diego, the center uses high performance computing to understand how earthquakes occur. Dr. Yifeng Cui and his team’s winning work in earthquake simulation for the improvement of seismic hazard analysis addresses the needs of a massive global population in earthquake-impacted areas. Working in collaboration with the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC), the researchers developed the code to create highly detailed simulations of high-frequency seismic waves in the range of 0-10 Hertz as they propagate through the earth.
Nomination process: Candidates may be submitted by third-party or by self-nomination. To put forward a nomination or encourage a contact to do so, the nomination form may be downloaded here. Endorsements from recognized experts in the relevant field of study will strengthen the nomination.
Evaluation: Candidates will be evaluated using several criteria, including innovation, social impact, public availability and effectiveness of results to date.
Schedule: Key milestones are as follows:
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Date |
Activity |
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NVIDIA Global Impact Award application available |
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Submissions due |
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Finalists announced |
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Award recipient named the week of GPU Technology Conference |
Additional information: Finalists will be interviewed for potential coverage in NVIDIA’s communication channels. They may have the opportunity to present their findings at NVIDIA-hosted events targeted at the research community. Note that award winners must be available to receive the prize in person at the 2016 GPU Technology Conference. (Transportation and accommodations will be provided for one representative.)
- Inquiries about the NVIDIA Global Impact Award may be sent to globalimpact@nvidia.com
