Thirteen individuals and companies have been honoured for outstanding achievements in science, technology and research in Alberta.

The Alberta Science and Technology (ASTech) Leadership Foundation made the awards at ASTech’s annual black-tie gala last week in Calgary. The event, now in its 14th year, attracted more than 1,000 representatives from government, academia, industry and business.

“ASTech’s theme, Innovations for Living Well, was demonstrated admirably by this year’s field of finalists and prize recipients,” said Carmen Forster, chair, ASTech Foundation.

“Indeed, Albertans are making a significant contribution to an improved quality of life for people, both here and around the world.”

The ASTech award winners for 2003 are:

* Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science Award: Brian D. Sykes, Edmonton

* Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology Award: Michael J. Brett, Edmonton

* Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation Award: Miodrag Belosevic, of Edmonton

* Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology Award (corporations having gross sales less than $25,000,000 per annum):
Upside Software Inc., Edmonton

* Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology Award (corporations having gross sales equal to or greater than $25,000,000 per annum): NOVA Chemicals Corporation, Calgary

* Leaders of Tomorrow Award: Tim Poon, Edmonton

* Outstanding Contribution to the Alberta Science and Technology Community Award: Matt Spence, Edmonton

The ASTech prize recipients for 2003 are as follows:

* NRC/ASTech Innovation in Industrial Research Prize (north of Red Deer): Acrodex Inc., Edmonton

* NRC/ASTech Innovation in Industrial Research Prize (Red Deer and south): Spartek Systems Inc., Sylvan Lake

* Syncrude/ASTech Innovation in Oil Sands Research Prize: Paraffinic Froth Treatment Technology Commercialization Team, Calgary and Devon

* AVAC/Dow AgroSciences/ASTech Innovation in Agricultural Science Prize: John O’Donovan, Beaverlodge

* Al-Pac/ASTech Innovation in Integrated Landscape Management Prize: EMEND Project Partners, Edmonton

* Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness Prize: University of Alberta’s Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Outreach Program, Edmonton
* ASTech Foundation Special Award: Alastair Ross, in memoriam, Calgary

Founded in 1989, the ASTech Foundation’s mission is to act as a catalyst within communities of interest to
promote achievements in science and technology.

Web watch:
www.astech.ab.ca