The International Educational Trade Association Worlddidac has awarded the Leica DM500 Educational Microscope the Worlddidac Award 2010. This famous award will be officially presented in October at the international exhibition in Basel, Switzerland.

The Worlddidac Award is the most famous international prize in the education sector for innovative and pedagogically highly valuable products for learning and teaching. Every two years, with the aid of clearly defined quality criteria and a pre-evaluation, a jury of experts assesses, evaluates, and judges the products entered. The evaluation criteria are mainly based on overall quality, safety, pedagogic value, easy handling, and technological innovation.

The Leica DM500 student friendly concept along with its EZStore^TM design (integrated handle and cord wrap) contributed to the judges' decision. Also, the "clean and green" philosophy of the DM500 with its recyclable packaging, AgTreat anti-bacterial surface, and international safety certifications helped it to stand out among other products being judged.

"Winning the Worlddidac Award is a strong statement of our commitment to quality, innovation, and science education," says Andreas Hedinger, Managing Director of Leica Microsystems' Industry Division.

For further information please visit www.leica-microsystems.com