News

Chancellor Bill Bryson wins top European prize

(2 December 2005)

Durham University Chancellor Bill Bryson today won the 2005 EU Descartes Prize for Science Communication for his book ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’.

The honour - and the €50,000 prize money - reflect the prestige of the European Union’s highest awards for outstanding transnational scientific research and excellence in science communication. The latter is a "prize of prizes" that is only open to winners of other European award schemes – Bill Bryson was nominated for winning the UK Royal Society’s Aventis Prize for Science Books in 2004. Dr Bryson, who was presented with the award by the European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Pitoènik at a ceremony held at the Royal Society, said: “Never has someone been more generously awarded for his ignorance. I'm very grateful to all the scientists who, without exception, helped me to discover the wonder of their science. “I'm especially grateful to the Royal Society for nominating me for this award and in recognition of that, plan to return a small portion of the prize to the Society, in the hope they'll be able to buy the staff a seasonal drink” Director of Communications for the Royal Society, Dr David Stewart Boak, said: “We are delighted that Bill Bryon’s achievements continue to be recognised and rewarded. His book has helped to inspire, engage and enthral a whole generation about the excitement and wonder of scientific discovery.” The University is sending its warm congratulations to Dr Bryson on his latest award.

• www.aventisprizes.com