What problem did you address/are you addressing?
The Road Safety Innovation Award recognises the merit and quality of the academic work produced inPortuguese universities; work that is all too often lacking in support and visibility. This annual award,which was first launched in 2016. The winner of the award receives a cash prize, enhanced domestic and international visibility, access to potential investors for their project and logistical support.
What are your objectives?
Motivate and underpin scientific and technological research and development in Portugal
Disseminating innovative projects that have true commercial applicability
Encouraging road safety entrepreneurship
Describe the characteristics of your target audience
Students under the age of 35 living in Portugal and following a postgraduate, master’s or PhD course in a Portuguese higher education institution
How did you disseminate/are you disseminating results or how did you promote/are you promoting your initiative?
The award is given out annually and is publicised through the channels normally employed by each ofthe partners (magazines, sites, social networks, web TV). The competition is also advertised through posters that are put up at all the country’s universities, particularly where they are likely to be seen bystudents of civil engineering. Last year's award ceremony and the winning project were reported on in newspapers, on Portuguese television and via the European and worldwide channels run by the International Automobile Federation.
How did you evaluate/are you evaluating the success of your action?
The jury has closely monitored the progress being made by the award winner. Currently, the winner project is getting ready for the controlled environment testing phase. The jury will be present at these tests, which are expected to take place in June. The jury also keeps a close eye on the honourable mentions, which are both at slightly earlier stages of development.
