Wanted: ingenious radicals that are tackling society’s biggest challenges

12/12/11

Britain's 50 New Radicals aims to find and celebrate the most inspiring 50 people or organisations that - in practical ways - are finding ingenious new solutions to challenges in areas such as health, education, ageing, unemployment, community regeneration and wellbeing.  Just as revolutionary organisations and innovations developed in the 20^th century such as The Samaritans, Meals on Wheels, the Open University and NHS Direct have had a profound impact on society, Britain's 50 New Radicals will recognise and celebrate their 21^st Century counterparts.

Applications are welcomed from individuals, small community organisations or larger organisations that are tirelessly working to find new ways to make life a better place. To apply, or to be nominated, the person or organisation must be doing work that is already making a clear transformational difference, have been in operation for at least 6 months, be able to show evidence of success and be based in Britain.

Geoff Mulgan, Chief executive of NESTA, says: 'As a society we're generous with credit and celebration, but we often leave out those who arguably do most to make our lives better. We want to find those people and organisations that are changing the world where people live or work, who should be tomorrow's household names, and who should be inspiring us and our children. We know they exist in every corner of Britain, so help us find them and celebrate those who really do deserve a bit of celebrity.'

Britain's 50 New Radicals will be selected by a panel of expert judges including Martha Lane Fox, UK Digital Champion, Geoff Mulgan, Chief executive of NESTA, Lucie Seigle writer and ethical living columnist for The Observer and John Mulholland, editor of The Observer.

The list of Britain's 50 New Radicals will showcase some of Britain's most radical and inspiring ideas, giving validation for those who don't often receive praise. Their work will be recognised and showcased at a London reception in early 2012 and published in the Observer.  Each New Radical will be invited to join a network and participate in workshops, supported by NESTA to inspire more radical new ideas that can change the world for the better.

The application period is open until 12 January 2012. If you would like to nominate yourself or put forward someone or an organisation you think deserves to be commended, visit www.nesta.org.uk/britainsnewradicals

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Notes to editor:

For further information, please contact Jan Singleton at NESTA on 020 7438 2606/ jan.singleton@nesta.org.uk

About NESTA

NESTA is the UK's foremost independent expert on how innovation can solve some of the country's major economic and social challenges. Its work is enabled by an endowment, funded by the National Lottery, and it operates at no cost to the taxpayer.

NESTA is a world leader in its field and carries out its work through a blend of experimental programmes, analytical research and investment in early-stage companies

We are looking for people, projects, organisations and services that have designed fresh and innovative approaches and methods (social, technological, scientific, artistic) in practical ways to transform our society for the better. These new organisations and services might come from familiar areas such as health, ageing, education, community life, the green economy and tackling challenges such as poverty, loneliness, young people and unemployment, wellbeing and regeneration. Or they could break entirely new ground.

The criteria for entering is:

• An entrant must have been operating for at least six months and show evidence that it is meeting its goals and is sustainable. It doesn't matter how small the project - a good idea can always grow.
• An entrant can nominate itself or be nominated by others.
• Entrants must be based in the UK and not primarily motivated by profit.

The judges include:

• John Mulholland, editor of The Observer
• Geoff Mulgan, chief executive of NESTA
• Martha Lane Fox, UK Digital Champion
• Alicia Navarro, tech entrepreneur and CEO and founder of Skimlinks
• Lucy Siegle writer and ethical living columnist for The Observer
• Grenville Ham, Co-founder of The Green Valleys CIC and TGVHydro Ltd

For further information, visit: www.nesta.org.uk/britainsnewradicals