Who knew this story could gain so much interest? As you may recall (or see the posts, here and here), there was to be an announcement of a new Nobel Prize at nanoTX’07, which was then retracted in the face of (reported) opposition from the Nobel Family Society and Nobel Prize Foundation.
Well, last night, we received a comment posted to the most recent entry concerning the possibility of a new prize in the field of "energy solutions," the Dr, Michael Nobel Award. Philip Nobel, on behalf of four Nobel family members, including Dr. Michael Nobel, posted this comment, which I re-post here in its entirety:
"Philip Nobel – October 4, 2007 8:22 PM
Dr. Michael Nobel never did introduce himself as chairman of the Nobel Family Society which the organizers of Nanotech had stated in their previous press-release. He clearly stated that he was the actual chairman of the Nobel Charitable Trust Foundation (which he in fact is) and proposed to make the announcement of these new awards in that name[.] Dr.Nobel also had pointed out in several mails to the organizers the incorrect information in their initial press-release and asked that corrections were to be made but that was totally ignored by them. As for the $25.000, although a payment may be uncommon in such cases as this[,] this particular amount was intended for the Nobel Charitable Trust Foundation and not for a personal use like media have suggested on different occasions. The fact that he wishes to use his own, personal name for such a cause as this should not in any way be held against him as the NCTF is created and operated in and for a charitable and educational purpose and cause.
Finally, as for the claim made by the Nobel Foundation in sweden that Dr.Nobel did not have the family’s support[,] the Nobel Charitable Trust Foundation is created by three members of the board of directors of the Nobel Family Society and one of the founders also is the actual head of the Nobel family which all gives Dr. Michael Nobel a very strong support.
We, the four founders of the Nobel Charitable Trust Foundation feel that alternative energy (as we’re all aware that our natural resources will not last forever) and our enviroment is of highest priority in our every-day life and most certainly for the generations to come!!!
Philip Nobel, Gustaf Nobel, Michael Nobel, Peter Nobel. "
Thanks to Philip Nobel for posting this comment and adding additional information to the story on why the announcement was made and retracted. As is always the case, there are two sides to every story, and the above comment is further evidence of that (for example, this is the first I’ve heard about $25,000 being attached to the award in some form).
Alternative energy is clearly an important issue, as Mr. Nobel points out, and nanotechnology could be a significant tool in developing alternative energy technologies. Certainly, a highly visible award, such as any award with the Nobel name attached to it, would raise the profile of alternative energy research and help spur its development. I hope the Nobel Charitable Trust Foundation is not discouraged from pursuing its award for alternative energy solutions, and that it continues its support of such research and development.
