Shortlist for 2012 Bristol Genius Award announced

Date posted: 15 May 12

Bristol Festival of Ideas announced today the shortlist of submissions for the Bristol Genius Award, made as part of the Festival of Ideas and in association with the Bristol Post and BBC Bristol.

Each year, Bristol Festival of Ideas runs the Bristol Genius series of events. Bristol Genius looks at the people and organisations working on breakthrough ideas in the city – ideas that have the potential to change thinking, living, working, eating, playing; that provide new business opportunities; and that can transform culture, the environment, justice and society.

The call for submissions for the award opened on 23 February and closed on 25 April. From more than 40 suggestions received, the judges have selected a shortlist of projects which were felt to best exemplify Bristol as a city that excels in ideas that have the potential to change lives for the better.

These are:

Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children: a long-term research project that is assisting scientists all over the world with research into a wide range of health problems.

Lynn Molloy, Executive Director, said today:

‘We are delighted that all the participants in Children of the 90s have been recognised in this way because without their amazing dedication and commitment this remarkable Bristol project would not be the international science success story it is. Born and bred in Bristol 21 years ago, the project has made a significant contribution to healthcare practice and policy and will continue to do so as the study expands to include the fathers, children, brothers and sisters of all the original children.’

Bristol Hydrogen Boats Ltd: Hydrogen Powered Ferry: a new passenger ferry powered from a hydrogen fuel cell currently undergoing trials that could see it delivering the benefits of almost zero carbon emissions and high motor efficiency.

Neil Harrison, Assistant Executive Member for Sustainability, Bristol City Council, said today:

‘The Hydrogenesis Ferry project draws on the finest Bristol tradition of groundbreaking maritime engineering to deliver a 21st century solution to the twin challenges of climate change and peak oil. The ferry, which will soon be operating in the Floating Harbour, will run on hydrogen fuel with the only waste product being water – the first such vessel in the UK. The result will be a clean and quiet vessel that doesn’t burn fossil fuels, with the opportunities for local hydrogen production now being explored. We think Brunel would be proud!’

Edible Landscapes Movement: a project that brings together volunteers, residents and local organisations in Knowle West to grow food for the community and develop new skills.

Misty Tunks, Environmental Media Producer, Knowle West Media Centre, said today:

‘For years now, a group of local people – known collectively as the Edible Landscapes Movement – have been toiling away growing fruit and veg in gardens and derelict land across Knowle West and sharing the story of the experience using mobile phones. We’ve been supporting other residents to do the same – to work closely together to grow their own produce, cook it and spread the word locally and across the city about what we do. We are thrilled that everyone’s hard work has been recognised.’

FRANK Water: a small team of ethical entrepreneurs, researchers and field workers that saves lives through funding innovative and sustainable clean water projects in developing countries.

Managing Director Katie Alcott said today:

‘We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Bristol Genius Prize. FRANK Water was founded in Bristol and the incredible people of Bristol continue to be our biggest supporters – making significant contributions to our organisation and ultimately saving thousands of lives every year through life-giving clean, safe drinking water. Thank you to everyone who has ever bought a bottle of FRANK Water, volunteered for us or donated their hard earned money to support our cause – you are part of the solution.’

Micrima: the development of a new method of breast-screening women using radiowave radar technology that is non-invasive, inexpensive, and can be done in doctors’ surgeries.

University of Bristol/ Revolymer: Rev7: the development of a compound that is being used to manufacture an environmentally friendly, easily removable chewing gum.

Professor Terence Cosgrove, the inventor of the compound, said today:

‘Rev7 degradable chewing gum was developed in partnership between the team at the University of Bristol and Revolymer, the North Wales based polymer company. The remit was to develop a gum that was both degradable and removable, benefiting the environment and helping mitigate the major problem of chewing gum litter on the streets. The gum has now successfully launched in the US, and is available in over 4,000 stores. It received European Food Safety Authority approval early this year, and is expected on British shelves in the summer, which we are very excited about.’

The judges for the award are:

Samantha Budd, Chief Executive, Student’s Union, University of Bristol; Simon Cook, Leader, Bristol City Council; Mike Norton, Editor, Bristol Post; Tim Pemberton, Managing Editor, BBC Bristol; Phil Smith, MD, Business West; Judith Squires, Professor of Political Theory and Dean of the Faculty Social Sciences and Law, University of Bristol

Andrew Kelly, Director of the Festival of Ideas, which has organised this award said today:

Bristol is an amazing city but we sometimes don’t celebrate enough the great ideas that are generated and developed here on green initiatives, in health, education, in communities, in business, in our universities and cultural organisations. We want to recognise and provide a profile for this work through this new award and are delighted by the response we have had and by the quality of all the projects nominated and especially the short-listed projects.

The winner will be announced at the Bristol Festival of Ideas Prize Evening on 21 May.