Go-ahead for the Scientific Award 2007

The BMW Group offers support worth EUR 70,000 to talented young researchers from all disciplines worldwide

Munich. The BMW Group is inviting young academics from all over the world to submit their entries for the prize for up-and-coming scientists - the Scientific Award 2007. The motto of the award is "Passion for Innovation", and prizes are presented to the authors of outstanding Bachelor�'s, Master�'s and doctoral theses, regardless of their subject. The 2007 Award, with prizes worth a total of EUR 70,000, will be the ninth in the series so far. The closing date for entries is 7 January 2007.

"The world is built on innovations; to have innovations, we need people who, with creativity, curiosity and passion, forge ahead with revolutionary new ideas. The Scientific Award serves to underline the importance our company attaches to young academics�' spirit of inventiveness", says Prof. Dr. Dr. E.h. Burkhard Göschel, Member of the Board of Management of the BMW AG and patron of the Scientific Award 2007. The prize is seen as an integral part of the ongoing dialogue between the BMW Group, industry and science.

An application is only possible with the backing of the candidate�'s academic supervisor or professor. To be eligible for consideration, the theses must have been written at and submitted to a university between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2006. The entries will be evaluated by an international, multidisciplinary jury whose members are drawn from the fields of research and industry. The jury�'s decisions are made with reference to the following criteria: innovative potential, relation to reality, environmental and social benefit, theory, economic aspects and form of presentation. The authors of the six best scientific papers, along with their professors, will receive their prizes in the course of the Award Ceremony in autumn 2007.

The Scientific Award of the BMW Group has been presented every alternate year since 1991; to date, 45 prize-winners and their respective professors have received the award. Around 230 applicants from 26 countries and 24 different faculties competed for the 2005 prize. The Award should be seen as more than merely a prize which is presented once and then forgotten. It offers young scientists access to an international, multidisciplinary network in which they can exchange views both with each other and with representatives of science and industry.

You can find more information and an application form for the Scientific Award 2007 of the BMW Group on the internet at: www.bmwgroup.com/scientific-award.

A high-resolution photo of the Scientific Award trophy is available for downloading in the BMW Group PressClub at: www.press.bmwgroup.com; Register Select Photo no. P0022283.

Should you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Manfred Grunert, AK-21, Technology Communications Phone: +49-(0)89-382-27797, Fax: +49-(0)89-382-23927

Marc Hassinger, AK-30, Business and Finance Communications

Phone: +49-(0)89-382-23362, Fax: +49-(0)89-382-24418

Media Website: www.press.bmwgroup.com

e-mail: presse@bmw.de