The Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has set up an international prize to reward people who make valuable contributions to the protection of the environment. The biennial prize has been named after Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz in recognition of his great concern for science, culture, and the environment. Crown Prince Abdullah will be honorary President of the prize's governing body in Riyadh.

SABIC has always held the belief that technology is the key to the future and that scientifically and technologically qualified men and women are the key to development. Every two years, dedicated researchers whose contributions have made a positive impact will be rewarded, and in the process, there is incentive for expanded research that may lead to important scientific breakthroughs.

The prize has three categories: protection of the physical environment and combating desertification; issues involving the petrochemical, metallurgical, and plastic industries; and the technology of water and irrigation. The winner in each of the three categories will be presented with a certificate of merit, a commemorative medal and a cash award of SR600,000 [U.S. $160,214]. No prize will be given in a category if there is no qualified applicant. Any prize may be shared by more than one winner.

The research topics for the initial awards are "Recycling and reuse of plastic materials" in the first category; "Conversion of methane into ethylene or aromatic benzene or both" in the second category; and "Polymers in the preservation of water" in the third category. Nominations for scientific research in these areas should be sent to the general secretariat of the governing body of the Crown Prince Abdullah Prize at SABIC headquarters in Riyadh between December 1, 2004 and February 28, 2005.

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