President Halonen presented the Millennium Technology Prize

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen presented the Millennium Technology Prize to Professor Robert Langer on Wednesday, 12 June 2008 at the Finlandia Hall. Professor Langer received the Millennium Prize Foundation’s 800000 euro first prize for his innovations in drug delivery systems and tissue regeneration techniques. ”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”, president Halonen said in her congratulatory address at the House of Nobility. According to President Halonen technologies that serve human values have to be made use as quickly and as widely as possible.

The Millennium Prize winner Professor Robert Langer and President Tarja Halonen at the Finlandia Hall. Photo: Lehtikuva

For this, we need increased cooperation between scientists, scientific society and businesses as well as the state-level and international community. The work of Professor Langer is, according to President Halonen, an excellent example of the way that technological innovations can contribute to human well-being.

Professor Robert Langer’s innovations are widely used in the treatment of cancer, heart disease and numerous other diseases. Every year more that 100 million people are treated with the drug delivery systems created by Professor Langer.

Address by President Halonen at the Millennium Technology Prize Gala Dinner

Millennium Technology Prize