Matching university students' theses with the needs of organisations
An idea to both benefit graduate students as well as social and environmental organisations lacking funds for research was submitted by Avi Blau. The idea is to have a database that would post research needs from organisations that would allow graduate students to search through the database and find thesis topics they would like to help study. This way the organisation gets graduate level research tailored to their needs free of cost and the graduate student gets to complete their these on a topic that will be beneficial. See www.globalideasbank.org for more information

Use of computer mapping to distribute charitable services effectively
An idea to create a more even distribution of charitable resources in a specific neighbourhood using an online mapping system was submitted by Daniel Bassill. The idea pilots the mapping of concentrations of poverty, poorly performing schools, and other indicators of needs using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The maps are posted online and made available for the public to look and see where social programs exist and where there are gaps. This site makes people more aware of where they should volunteer their time and donate to charities. See globalideasbank.org for more information

Local council sends out crime alerts by e-mail and text
Brent Council submitted an idea for a website to report recent crimes in a local area. Brent Council has set an affiliated website that will allow local people to look at recent crimes committed and contact the police if they have any further information. Brent Council is also trying to have a system where local people can sign up to receive e-mail and text alerts after a crime has been reported. They hope this will allow for greater interaction between law enforcement and the public to solve crimes. See brentbrain.org.uk for more information

Freecycling-recycling by e-mail keeps junk out of landfill
The concept of freecycling is that if a person has something they do not want they send a short message to an emailing list and then if someone wants what they are advertising they simply email a reply back and arrange a pick up time. This method of recycling reduces the amount of clutter in local landfills while at the same time giving someone something they want for free. People of all ages are encouraged to either post an offer of what they are giving away or a request for what they are looking to find. See globalideasbank.org for more information

A focused eco-tax on using animals in product marketing
An idea to impose a tax on companies that use animals as a method for advertising their products was submitted by Elliott Cannell. All the money raised form the tax would go to preserving the habitat and ecology of that particular animal. Cannell even hopes the tax could add prestige to the use of animals in ad campaigns. See globalideasbank.org for more information

A National Discovery Centre to increase public-led scientific research
Rupert Sheldrake has proposed the idea of a National Discovery Centre that would receive one per cent of the government's science budget to undertake research suggested by those outside the scientific community. The idea is to increase public involvement in science and to give scientists the opportunity to think more freely. Submissions would come from individuals, schools, societies, and local groups. Proposals would be evaluated and granted funds by a board governed by a wide range of interests including non-profits, amateur groups, and non-scientific associated organisations. See www.sheldrake.org for more information

Fishery-protected areas doubling as wind farms
A solution of how to solve two major ecological problems was submitted by Tom Pickrell. The idea is to produce alternative energy without ruining local landscapes and to save the declining fish population in the North Sea due to overfishing. To solve these two ecological problems Pickrell suggests establishing a wind farm in the North Sea. The turbine supports will provide a habitat and shelter for prey as well as defining an area to be out of bounds for any vessel. The electricity produced can be transferred via submarine cables as with North Sea gas and oil. See globalideasbank.org for more information

Text-message service provides alerts if journeys not completed
An idea to reduce the risk of travelling alone was submitted by the Amber Response website. The person who is embarking on a journey simply inputs details of their journey by text message to Amber Response. Amber Response then waits to receive a text message from the person confirming their arrival. If one is not received Amber Response text messages the emergency contact person the traveller has listed. This person can then contact Amber Response via phone or web to get details of the journey. Appropriate action can then be taken by the emergency contact based on the traveller and the nature of the journey. See www.amberresponse.com for more information

A pub giving profits to local charities
A new pub in Brighton has been set up to give about £50,000 a year of net profits to charity. The idea called the People's Pub hope to take about £6,000-£7,000 a week. A noticeboard in the pub will keep regulars informed about which charities they have been supporting through their social activities. Martin Webb, creator of the pubs, hopes the idea will take off and spur more pubs and clubs that donate profits to charity. See info@robinhood-brighton.co.uk for more information

Lottery entry slips-tick box for ten per cent to charity
A new idea was submitted to change the outlook of the lottery and to help charities. John Tunney suggested that the national lotto slips could have a box that when checked the player agreed to donate ten percent of their winnings to charity. There could also be a space provided so the player could chose which charity they would like to have receive the monies. This would guarantee the charity would get the intended payments because lottery administers could automatically deduct ten percent from the winnings and immediately donate the money to the specified charity. See globalideasbank.org for more information

Web resource makes parliamentary record interactive
Theyworkforyou.com is a new website that hopes to bring the UK parliamentary record to web users. This website allows users to search, link, and make comments on the Hansard (the 200-year-old record of parliamentary debates). The website hopes to make this amazing resource more accessible to the average voter. See www.theyworkforyou.com for more information

Please note that the six 2004 award-winners can be viewed here: Social Innovations Award-Winners 2004