The Government of Aragón in Spain has granted the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) the 2009 Aragón International Prize. The Aragón International Prize, along with the Aragón Prize, are the most prestigious awards granted annually by the government.
The Aragón International Prize 2009 was granted to MIT for its role in developing innovation and enhancing economic growth in the Aragón region. In 2003, MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (CTL) partnered with the Government of Aragón to create the Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC), a world-class research institute associated with the University of Zaragoza that specializes in logistics and supply chain management. Since then, faculty and students at both MIT and the ZLC have worked together to create new processes, concepts and technologies while developing the future leaders for global supply chains.
The research and education efforts of the MIT-Zaragoza partnership have been directly linked with the growth of the logistics sector in Aragón. A new building for the ZLC is being constructed in the Plataforma Logística de Zaragoza (PLAZA), the largest logistics park in Europe. MIT is home to many of the world’s leading laboratories, but in Zaragoza the university was put in what amounts to a large scale logistics laboratory – numerous logistics companies and operations surrounding the ZLC - providing opportunities for experimentation and interaction.
In just five years, the ZLC has gained recognition as a leading European center for supply chain innovation and education. ZLC was designated by the Ministry of Education and Sciences in Spain to be the National Center of Excellence for research in the area of logistics and supply chain management. Research sponsors and collaborators have included various government agencies within Spain and across the European Union, global companies such as DHL and SAP, and non-profits such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Events organized by MIT and ZLC have included CEOs from global companies such as Michelin and Metro Group, as well as leaders from the World Health Organization (WHO) who are addressing global health issues. The MIT-Zaragoza PhD Summer Academy draws top professors and graduate students from around the world. The quality of ZLC’s master’s students matches the top MBA programs in Europe and its graduates are receiving prominent positions and competitive salaries around the world.
In parallel, the Aragón Prize 2009 was awarded to the Peace Research Center Foundation for its social contribution through conflict and peace research work and its involvement in the organization of seminars on solidarity, equity, human rights and education. Created in 1984, this Center has become a pioneer in conflict and peace studies and is noted for its work on issues such as immigration, terrorism and the role of women and journalism in the world peace.
Last year the Aragón International Prize went to the European Erasmus program for its role in improving higher education standards and enhancing cooperation across European universities through academic mobility.
The Aragón Prizes were created to recognize ongoing efforts or important work in culture, science, technology or human values that provide significant benefit for the community or a noteworthy example for the Aragónese society. The prizes were awarded during an institutional ceremony that took place at the seat of the Government of Aragón in the Pignatelli Center, Zaragoza, Spain, on April 23, 2009, during the celebration of the Day of Aragón. Professor Yossi Sheffi accepted the award on behalf of MIT from José Ángel Biel Rivera, Vice President of Aragón (see photo).