The University of Louisville (U of L) is now offering a new $50,000 award – the Leigh Ann Conn Prize for Renewable Energy – to recognize outstanding energy ideas or achievements that have shown or likely will have global impact. The goal of the award is to spotlight wide-ranging research related to the science, technology, engineering and commercialization of renewable energy and energy efficiency throughout the world.

The prize, managed by U of L’s Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, is named for the late daughter of Hank and Rebecca Conn of Atlanta, research center supporters and prize benefactors. The recipient will be announced in fall 2013 and will give a public talk in Louisville about the winning work and participate in community and campus events as well as a medal ceremony.

“This unique prize will show the world that U of L and the Conn family are serious about growing, fostering and rewarding innovation in energy research,” said U of L President James Ramsey.

Nominations will be judged on factors such as economic effect, level of challenge, originality, creativity, scientific merit, commercialization and global impact on energy use and demand reduction. Organizers encourage nominations from scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, technologists, professional groups, publishers and university leaders. Award submissions will go through several levels of review, including an external panel with representatives from industry, academia and national laboratories.

Nominations for the first Leigh Ann Conn Prize recipient will be accepted through March 1, 2013. To learn more visit the Leigh Ann Conn Prize website.