December 2014: The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) has announced the Ebbe Nielsen Challenge. The Challenge aims to inspire scientists, data modelers, cartographers and other experts to create new applications of open-access biodiversity data, encouraging innovative use of the more than half a billion species occurrence records mobilized through GBIF’s international network.

For the past twelve years, GBIF has awarded the Ebbe Nielsen Prize to recognize outstanding contributions to biodiversity informatics and to honor the legacy of Ebbe Nielsen, one of the key founders of GBIF.

A jury composed of experts from the biodiversity informatics community will judge first-round entries on their innovation, functionality and applicability. Three to six finalists will then compete for a €20,000 first prize in 2015. The Challenge is open to individuals, teams of individuals, companies and their employees, and governmental agencies and their employees. [GBIF Ebbe Nielsen ‘ChallengePost’ website] [GBIF website]