Jon Bing wins Telenor research prize

Jon Bing, a professor at the Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law at the University of Oslo, was awarded Telenor's Nordic Research Prize for 2001 for his pioneering work and international contribution in establishing the academic fields of computer technology, communication and law at the University of Oslo, which has had great impact on legal and social matters related to the new digital technologies.

For years Bing has been working on a wide range of issues in areas such as: Media copyright law, international privacy law, protection of privacy and telecommunications law. He has also contributed to the analysis and design of legal information systems in Norway and other countries.

The jury was unanimous that Bing fulfilled all the criteria set for winning the prize: Relevance, quality, documented effect, innovation, the potential for the development of the information society and published results.

Academically, Bing was a top candidate; Bing has developed the Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law into a centre with high international standards. His numerous publications have been vital in his field, and have gained him a number of honorary titles both at home and abroad.

Bing has also been a notable influence through his participation in public debate and contributions in various committees that prepare new laws for the digital world. He was among the first to analyse how digital technology necessitates re-regulation when the fields of computer technology, telecommunications and broadcasting converge as well as the critical issue of copyright.


Previous winners of Telenor's Nordic Research Prize:

2000 - Professor Peter Andrekson, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg (optical technology)
1999 - The Telepathology group in Tromsø (telemedicine)
1998 - Professor Stephen Pink, University of Luleå (Internet technology)
1997 - Dr. Gisle Bjøntegaard, Telenor (antenna technology and video coding)
Additional prize 1997 (NOK 50,000) - Birger Møller-Pedersen, Dag Belsnes and Øistein Haugen, for their definition of SDL92 at The Norwegian Computing Center

For further information, look up www.telenor.no/fou