Address by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the Millennium Technology Prize Gala Dinner, 11 June 2008

We are gathered here to today to celebrate the winner of the Millennium Technology Prize. This is the third time when the world’s largest technology prize is being awarded.

The prize was established in co-operation between the Finnish state and Finnish industry as a recognition to innovations that promote quality of life.

Technology is a means, not an end in itself. It is an important tool for our aims in promoting both the quality of human life and sustainable development.

Technological innovations can provide solutions to our everyday problems. Technologies that serve human values have to be made use as quickly and as widely as possible. To achieve this goal, increasing co-operation is required between scientists, scientific society and businesses as well as the state-level and international community.

Only with continuing research and product development, we are able to resolve the central shortcomings of our societies as regards, for example, healthcare, energy and environmental issues.

In this spirit the Millennium Technology Prize is awarded every second year – to inspire and recognize innovations that can provide answers to the challenges of time.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Winner and Laureates,

The Millennium Prize Foundation has chosen you, esteemed Professor Robert Langer, as the winner of the third Millennium Prize. You have discovered and developed many advanced drug delivery systems and tissue regeneration techniques that have had a major impact on fighting cancer and numerous other diseases. Your work is an excellent example of the way that technological innovations can contribute to human well-being.

I would like to congratulate you and all laureates once again and wish you every success in your work.

Let me propose a toast to you and technology that serves humankind.

Millennium Technology Prize