ACM-Infosys Foundation Award Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the ACM-Infosys Foundation Award in the Computing Sciences?
  It is an annual award, initiated in 2007, that recognizes young scientists and system developers whose contemporary innovations are having a dramatic impact on the computing field. It carries a prize of $150,000.



• Who sponsors this award?
  It was initiated by Infosys Technologies Ltd. through the company’s philanthropic arm, Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Infosys Technologies Ltd., in cooperation with ACM. It is funded through an endowment from the Infosys Foundation.



• What is goal of the ACM-Infosys Foundation Award?
  To identify breakthroughs that have broad implications well beyond the scope of the innovation itself, and that reflect an underlying scientific or engineering methodology that is remarkable for its rigor or for its sheer audacity. It is also meant to inspire students worldwide to consider careers in computing science, and to continue the impressive history of innovations and contributions achieved in the field.



• How are candidates nominated for this award?
  2008 award nominations should include:
  • A current vitae, listing the candidate’s age, publications, patents, honors, other awards and recognitions.
  • A nomination letter from the principal nominator, which describes the work of the nominee, and draws particular attention to contributions which are seen as meriting the award.
  • Short supporting letters from at least three, and no more than five, endorsers. The letters should come from prominent individuals familiar with the nominee's contributions. No more than two letters should come from the same institution.
  • Nominations should be sent to the Chair of the ACM – Infosys Foundation Award by December 31, 2008, to Juris Hartmanis, Cornell University, Chair at jh@cs.cornell.edu.



• What other awards does ACM offer?
  ACM recognizes excellence through its eminent series of awards for outstanding technical and professional achievements and contributions in computer science and information technology. For a listing of all awards, previous recipients, and information on what areas of computing they each recognize, go to ACM Awards site.



• What is ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery?
  ACM, the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession. ACM provides the computing field's premier Digital Library and serves its members and the computing profession with leading-edge publications, conferences, and career resources.



• What is the Infosys Foundation?
  The Infosys Foundation, established in 1996, is the philanthropic arm of Infosys Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: INFY) and has the sole objective of fulfilling the social responsibility of the company by creating opportunities and working toward a more equitable society. The Infosys Foundation has made effective strides in the areas of healthcare, education, social rehabilitation, and the arts.