HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES

"The World Technology Awards program was created to recognize truly extraordinary innovation on a global scale, the sort of work that could be described as creating our collective future and changing the world," noted James P. Clark, founder and chairman of the London-based World Technology Network.

Lieber is a pioneer in nanotechnology, a relatively new field in which atoms and molecules are nudged together to create wires and other devices with promising utility in fields from new types of computers and electronics to disease detection and drug delivery. Such devices are too small to be seen without powerful microscopes.

"I am delighted to have been chosen to receive the award," Lieber said. "It is a great honor to have the research of my group, which has focused broadly on the growth, fundamental properties, assembly, and application of nanowires, recognized as innovative and high-impact in this rapidly growing field."

Two other Harvard professors were nominated for 2003 World Technology Awards. School of Public Health Professor Norman Daniels was named a finalist in the ethics category, and Calestous Juma, professor of the Practice of International Development at the Kennedy School of Government, was nominated for the policy award. The World Technology Awards honor individuals and corporations from 20 technology-related sectors selected by their peers as being innovators of the greatest likely long-term significance. Award categories range from biotechnology to entertainment.