“Le Scienze” Awards 2005

(AGI) – Rome, Dec. 17, 2005 – The winners of the “Le Scienze” Science awards of 2005 are: Stefano Olivares, of the University of Milan, Matteo Bertrolini, of the International School of Higher studies of Trieste, and Rosaria Rinaldi, of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory of Lecce. The sixth edition of the awards sponsored by the Italian arm of  “Scientific American” is aimed at young students that work in Italy and whose research is considered of International relevance. Medals are warded by the President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, always mindful of the development of science and young human resources that are its foundation. This year sees the celebration of the International Year of Physics, on the centenary of the publication of the Theory of Relativity, by Albert Einstein. The award was made to three disciplines of physical science. Stefano Olivares, 30, won the award for quantum light physics, the discipline that studies the interaction between light and matter in quantum theory which has important application in cryptography, a key element of economic transactions and could bring about the future development of quantum computers. Matteo Bertolini, 36, was rewarded for his important contribution to String theory, the most accredited with undertaking the role of the great unified theory to which Albert Einstein aspired in the last thirty years of his life. Rosaria Rinaldi, 37, won her award for excellence in her work  in nanotech sector, one of the fastest growing sectors, whose strategic importance for the most innovative sectors of industry in by now amply recognized, finding possible applications in electronics, chemistry, biomedicine and energy production. The awards, preceded by the “Science as culture” conference, held by Prof. Enrico Bellone, director of “Le Scienze“, took place in the main hall of the Faculty of Physics at the University of Milan. (AGI) –