Entries are being sought for a global environmental prize presented annually by St Andrews University and energy firm ConocoPhillips.
The St Andrews Prize for the Environment is given to an individual or team for an innovative solution to an environmental challenge.
Last year’s winners, a team from Queen’s University, Belfast, developed a method to remove arsenic from groundwater without using chemicals.
Arsenic contamination of water is a problem in West Bengal and the invention now supplies six rural areas with clean, arsenic-free water to local populations.
On Monday potential entrants were urged to try for the 2011 prize, which is worth $75,000. To be considered, solutions must be practical and combine good science, economic reality and political acceptability.
Co-ordinator Professor Ian Johnston said, “The St Andrews Prize is going from strength to strength, attracting an impressive range of projects.
“Past winners have used the prize money… to bring lasting improvements to the quality of life and environment of some of the poorest communities worldwide.”
Since it was launched 12 years ago, the prize has attracted entries from more than 50 countries each year.
Submissions are assessed by trustees from science, industry and government. The 2011 winner will be announced in May.