Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University announce the Winning Idea in the Searching for the Next Einstein Contest

Genetically modified dragonflies can reduce harmful effects of carbon dioxide atmospheric build up

TORONTO, April 24, 2013 /CNW/ - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) in conjunction with the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University (CFHU) is proud to announce the Grand Prize Winner of the Searching for the Next Einstein contest. This online contest encouraged innovative thinkers young and old to submit their BIG IDEAS on 'How to Improve the World' in English or French at www.searchingforeinstein.com  or www.leprochaineinstein.com.

Although the promotion was targeted to a North Amercian demographic over 1,500 BIG IDEAS were submitted  from over 35 countries including Finland, Tunisa, Italy, India, Nepal, Australia, Thailand and Spain to name a few.

The winner was determined by online voting and an expert panel of Judges at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.  This year's winner is Charles Rose from London, Ontario for his BIG IDEA to genetically modify dragonflies which can help reduce the harmful effects of the Carbon Dioxide buildup in the atmosphere. Excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been associated with global warming and climate change and it may influence the plant ecology on earth, affecting not only the economy of nations but also all forms of wildlife.

Mr. Rose will be awarded the grand prize of $10,000 CDN courtesy of Mixed Media sponsor DJ Mixer App and a trip for two to Israel provided by Airline Sponsor EL AL.  Rose will also be recognized at the prestigious Israeli Presidential Conference taking place in June 2013 where President Bill Clinton will be an honoured participant among many other distinguished guests.

To read more about Charles Rose's winning idea, and to review the other top finalist's BIG ideas please go to www.searchingforeinstein.com. 

We thank our sponsors Opolsky Louis Insurance, Aloris Mercantile Corporation, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and Media Sponsors, Astral and Shaw/Global, Mixed Media Sponsor MusicSoft Arts (DJ Mixer App) and Airline Sponsor EL AL.

About The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU), founded in 1918, is Israel's leading university.  Albert Einstein, Martin Buber, and Sigmund Freud, were among the university's founders, they were thinkers and visionaries whose genius inspired a university that would have no limits or borders. Ranked as one of the world's leading research universities (ranked 53rd in 2012), HU lies at the forefront of the international academic and scientific communities. Many top prizes and awards have been won by its graduates and faculty including eight Nobel Prizes, and the Fields Medal in Mathematics. HU is a pluralistic institution where science and knowledge are advanced for the benefit of humankind in an atmosphere free of discrimination and prejudice. The Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University (CFHU) facilitates academic and research partnerships between Canada and Israel as well as establishing scholarships, supporting research and recruiting Canadian students to attend the university. For more information, please visit:  http://cfhu.org/about-HU

SOURCE: Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Esther Schlesinger- Event Coordinator, Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University at 416-485-8000 x 131 or [email protected]

Miriam Pilc-Levine - National Director Communications & Marketing,  Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University at 416-485-8000 x 121 or [email protected]