Professor Dame Wendy Hall is one of the judges for a new 拢10m prize, which has been launched to solve one of the greatest scientific problems facing the world today.
The innovation charity Nesta, in collaboration with the Technology Strategy Board, BBC and other partners, has launched the Longitude Prize 2014 to find solutions to one of six key global challenges: dementia, antibiotics, flight, water, paralysis and food.
The competition idea is based on the 1714 Longitude Prize, which was won by John Harrison. His clocks enabled sailors to pinpoint their position at sea for the first time.
Professor Dame Wendy Hall is part of the Longitude Committee, which features experts from across the scientific world, who will judge all entries and decide which should win.
Professor Dame Wendy Hall says: 鈥淭his is a great opportunity for us to tackle some of the biggest issues facing society today. I believe technology offers us a great opportunity to help people with dementia to live independently for longer in their own homes.鈥�
Professor Hall recently appeared in the special 50th anniversary edition of the BBC science series Horizon to launch the prize and presented the argument for how smart devices and new technology can help people with dementia:
The themes are being to determine which of the six will become the winning prize challenge. The vote takes place between 22 May and 25 June, and will be held by the BBC on its and by text.
The Longitude Prize will run for five years, or until the prize is won.