Cardiff awards celebrate innovations that shape society

Innovation and Impact Awards 2015

Five pioneering research projects which have transformed policy and practice in business, healthcare and society have been recognised by Cardiff University.

The prize-winning projects have been chosen ahead of the University's annual Innovation and Impact Awards Ceremony.

Top academics behind each of the ventures will gather for a gala dinner in a fortnight's time (17 June) where a 'People's Choice' winner will be unveiled.

Sponsored by Geldards Law Firm and IP Group, the Innovation and Impact Awards 2015 will take place in front of guests including Dr Andrew Goodall, Director General of NHS Wales, who will present one of the trophies.

Cardiff University is offering everyone a chance to vote for the 'People's Choice' Award. The entry judged the best wins an iPad  Mini. Second prize is a Raspberry Pi B+ Starter Kit with NOOB software, plus two tickets to the Wales Millennium Centre/ Welsh National Opera co-production of 'Sweeney Todd' at WMC on 8 October 2015. Third prize is a Raspberry Pi B+ Starter Kit with NOOB software.

The winner judged the very best will also be offered a chance to meet the winning team of Cardiff University innovators, and see their work in action. Entry closes at 11am on Monday 15 June. To vote for a winning finalist, see the summaries below:

Innovation in Healthcare Award

Maths saves lives! Embedding mathematical modelling within NHS Wales. Read more, and vote for this project (#CUII1),

Business Innovation Award

Enhancing GAMA Healthcare's products and R&D capacity. Read more and vote for this project (#CUII2).

Innovation Policy Award

Severe brain injury: supporting families, improving decision-making, and transforming policy.  Read more and vote for this project (#CUII3),

Social Innovation Award

Supporting young people affected by homelessness. Read more and vote for this project (#CUII4),

Innovation in Sustainability Award

An energy systems based approach in a new build affordable home to optimise energy self-sufficiency. Read more and vote for this project (#CUII5),

Professor Colin Riordan, Vice Chancellor of Cardiff University, said: "This year's shortlisted winners highlight the impact of research not just on healthcare and industry, but on wider society. They are all outstanding examples of why our world-leading research matters, not just in terms of driving the economy, but in shaping wider society in Wales and beyond."

Leading law firm Geldards LLP has sponsored Cardiff University's Innovation & Impact Awards since their inception 17 years ago. The firm's Chief Executive, Jeff Pearson, said: "Geldards values its long term relationship with Cardiff University and we're delighted to be able to help recognise the innovative and cutting edge research that continues to inform our everyday decisions and develop our understanding of the world around us."

Alan Aubrey, Chief Executive Officer, IP Group Plc, who also sponsor the Awards, said: "IP Group is delighted to be sponsoring these awards for the eighth year running. We look forward to helping to create exciting new businesses out of Cardiff University's world leading IP for many years to come."

The Innovation and Impact Awards Competition is organised under the auspices of Cardiff University Innovation Network; the business/university network established nearly 20 years ago. The Awards are an opportunity for Cardiff University academic staff to showcase their innovative collaborations with business and other non-academic organisations, demonstrating the positive impact that universities can have on economy and society.

Innovation and Impact Awards 2015 Social Media Competition Rules

1. The promoter is Cardiff University, a registered charity No. 1136855. The competition is operated by Cardiff University Communications, Cardiff University, Deri House, 2-4 Park Grove, Cardiff, CF10 3BN.

2. The competition is open to the general public. Entrants should be 16 years and over.

3. Students and employees of Cardiff University are permitted to enter. However, employees and professionals with external agencies connected with the competition, or helping to set up or promote the competition shall not be permitted to enter.

4. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

5. Closing date for entry will be 11:00hrs on 15 June 2015. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

6. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

7. The competition will award three prizes. The entry judged the best wins an Ipad Mini. Second prize is a Raspberry Pi B+ Starter Kit with NOOB software, plus two tickets to the Wales Millennium Centre/ Welsh National Opera co-production of 'Sweeney Todd' at WMC on 8 October 2015. Third prize is a Raspberry Pi B+ Starter Kit with NOOB software.

8. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of any event outside the promoter's control.

9. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable.

10. The three winners will be notified through the medium by which they voted (Facebook, Twitter, etc) by 17:00 on Friday 19 June.

11. If the winners cannot be contacted or do not claim the prizes by 17:00hrs on 22 June, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.

12. The promoter will notify the winner of the first prize (iPad Mini) when and where the prize can be collected. The promoter reserves the right to ask the first prize winner to meet the winning innovation team, and a representative of sponsors Geldards, for presentation photography and PR purposes as a pre-condition to collecting the prize.

13. The promoter's decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

14. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.

15. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant's prior consent.

16. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

17. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to Cardiff University and not to any other party. The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/govrn/cocom/accinf/dataprotection/