The search has begun for an individual – or group – to become the next laureate of the Wise Prize for Education.

Wise Prize, an initiative of Qatar Foundation, is the first global prize to recognise world-class contributors to education at a similar level to other major prizes for science, literature, peace or economics.

The prize, now in its second year, pays tribute to those in any sector whose achievements have had a significant and lasting impact upon education, said a statement.

The laureate receives $500,000 and a gold medal.

Wise chairman Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, said: “This year again, I hope that the nominations will cover the entire scope of what education can bring to the world, from an outstanding contributor to academic research to an on-the-ground practitioner whose work has benefited many. The perfect profile may also be someone who has shone the light of education in adverse circumstances, or who has uncovered and nurtured talent which had lain unnoticed and neglected.”
 
Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani awarded the inaugural Wise Prize for Education to Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, founder and chairman of BRAC, at the 2011 Wise Summit in Doha, Qatar.

Sir Fazle Hasan Abed has spent over 40 years developing the Bangladesh-based BRAC into a broad initiative dedicated to assisting the neediest to gain skills and empowerment through education.

BRAC has contributed directly to the education of more than 10 million young people from pre-primary through to secondary levels.

BRAC is now active in nine other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in the world, providing a wide range of education programs which have benefited nearly 140 million individuals.

Wise is inviting nominations from individuals and institutions with a demonstrable commitment to education, such as universities, schools, colleges, teachers’ organizations, research facilities, international organizations, governments, private corporations and the media.

A high-level committee will make a pre-selection of the nominations received from around the world, and an international jury of distinguished individuals will make the final choice of the laureate whose name will be announced at the 4th Wise Summit to be held November 13-15, 2012, in Doha.

Dr Al-Thani added: “Our selection process is highly rigorous to ensure that the individual or group we identify embodies the highest degree of excellence. We received several hundred nominations last year and look forward to an even stronger response in 2012.”

The closing date for nominations is March 31, 2012. The nomination process is strictly confidential. To nominate a candidate for the Prize or for further information about Wise and the Wise Prize visit: www.wise-qatar.org or  www.wiseprizeforeducation.org
- TradeArabia News Service