Call for Awards Nominations

Nominate Your Peers and Colleagues for Technical and Management Awards!

Do you know someone who has made notable contributions to aerospace arts, sciences, or technology? Nominate them now!

All Nominations and References are to be submitted online. Nomination Packages are now being accepted for the awards listed below.

Awards are presented annually, unless otherwise indicated.

Any AIAA member in good standing may submit a nomination. Candidates do not need to be AIAA Members. At least 3 references are to be AIAA members. These references are to submit their endorsement online.

Before preparing a nomination, nominators are reminded to read the award guidelines and verify that the candidate is eligible.


Now Accepting Nominations

Aerodynamic Measurement Technology Award

The Aerodynamic Measurement Technology Award was approved by Board of Directors in 1995 and is presented for continued contributions and achievements toward the advancement of advanced aerodynamics flowfield and surface measurement techniques for research in flight and ground test applications.  This award is presented biennially (in even-numbered years) generally at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Aerospace Design Engineering Award

Approved by the Board of Directors in 1992, the Aerospace Design Engineering Award was established to recognize design engineers who have made outstanding technical, educational or creative achievements that exemplifies the quality and elements of design engineering. This award is presented biennially (in even-numbered years) at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Aerospace Guidance, Navigation, and Control Award

Approved by the Board of Directors in 1998, the Aerospace Guidance, Navigation and Control Award was established to recognize individuals that have made important and substantial contributions in the field of guidance, navigation and control. This award is to be considered a lifetime achievement award, and is presented biennially (in even years) generally at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Aerospace Power Systems Award

The Aerospace Power Systems Award, established in 1981, is presented for a significant contribution in the broad field of aerospace power systems, specifically as related to the application of engineering sciences and systems engineering to the production, storage, distribution, and processing of aerospace power. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA SciTech ForumNomination Deadline: 1 July

Air Breathing Propulsion Award

Established in 1975, the Air Breathing Propulsion Award is presented to an individual for sustained, meritorious accomplishment in the arts, sciences, and technology of air breathing propulsion systems.This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA SciTech Forum. Nomination Deadline: 1 July

de Florez Award for Flight Simulation

The de Florez Award for Flight Simulation, named in honor of the late Admiral Luis de Florez, is presented for an outstanding individual achievement in the application of flight simulation to aerospace training, research, and development. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Mary W. Jackson Diversity and Inclusion Award

Originally named the AIAA Diversity and Inclusion Award, this award recognizes an individual or group within AIAA who has devoted time and effort and made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion within the Institute. It also seeks to raise awareness on the value of a diverse membership and inclusive environment, and of important and challenging issues pertaining to diversity and inclusion in the aerospace workforce at large. This award also seeks to bring champions of diversity and inclusion at AIAA to the attention of its members as inspirational figures and enablers of opportunities for successful careers in aerospace. Lastly, this award seeks to inspire other members to engage in activities that will promote the Institute’s diversity and inclusion. Further information about the award can be found at aiaa.org/Diversity-and-Inclusion-AwardBrief. This annual award is generally presented during the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Durand Lecture for Public Service

The Durand Lecture, named in honor of William F. Durand, was approved by the Board of Directors in 1983. It is presented for notable achievements by a scientific or technical leader whose contributions have led directly to the understanding and application of the science and technology of aeronautics and astronautics for the betterment of humankind. This lectureship is delivered as the keynote address for the AIAA Public Policy Luncheon during the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech).
Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Energy Systems Award

Established in 1981, the Energy Systems Award is presented for a significant contribution in the broad field of energy systems, specifically as related to the application of engineering sciences and systems engineering to the production, storage, distribution, and conservation of energy. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA SciTech ForumNomination Deadline: 1 July.

Gardner-Lasser Aerospace History Literature Award

The Gardner-Lasser Aerospace History Literature Award is presented for the best original contribution to the field of aeronautical or astronautical non-fiction literature published in the last five years dealing with the science, technology, and/or impact of aeronautics or astronautics on society. It honors David Lasser, an editor of science fiction stories who is considered to be the guiding spirit of the founders of the American Interplanetary Society and its first president, and Lester Durand Gardner, publisher of Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering (which later became Aviation Week and Space Technology) and the founder of the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences. The American Interplanetary Society (later known as the American Rocket Society) and Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences merged to form the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech), but may be presented at the Forum which matches the focus of the selected literature. Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Daniel Guggenheim Medal

The Daniel Guggenheim Medal was established as an international award for the purpose of honoring an individual who makes notable achievements in advancing the safety and practicality of aviation. The Medal recognizes contributions to aeronautical research and education, the development of commercial aircraft and equipment, and the application of aircraft to the economic and social activities of the nation. The Medal is jointly sponsored by AIAA, ASME, SAE, and VFS. Administration of the Medal resides at www.aiaa.org/guggenheim. Please visit this page for a nomination form and requirements.

This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA Awards Gala. However, it may be presented at another event, selected by the Board of Award and Medalist. Nomination Deadline: 1 July 2023.

History Manuscript Award

The History Manuscript Award is presented for the best historical manuscript dealing with the science, technology, and/or impact of aeronautics and astronautics on society. The purpose of the award is to provide professional recognition to an author who makes a major and original contribution to the history of aeronautics or astronautics. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech), but may be presented at the Forum which matches the focus of the selected manuscript. Nomination Deadline: 1 July.

Intelligent Systems

The Intelligent Systems Award is presented to recognize important fundamental contributions to intelligent systems technologies and applications that advance the capabilities of aerospace systems. Beginning in 2014, this award is presented biennially (in even-numbered years) generally at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition. Nomination Deadline: 1 July Nomination Deadline: 1 July.

Mechanics and Control of Flight Award

The Mechanics and Control of Flight Award is presented for an outstanding recent technical or scientific contribution by an individual in the mechanics, guidance, or control of flight in space or the atmosphere. This award is normally given to an individual. However a small team of colleagues (nominally two to four) that have collaborated on a technical contribution may be considered for the award. In this case, the nomination package should be submitted for the team of individuals. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech) Forum. Nomination Deadline: 1 July.

Microgravity and Space Processes Award

The Microgravity and Space Processes Award is presented for significant contributions in microgravity science, space processing, or in furthering the use of microgravity for space processing. In 2020, this award was renamed from Space Processing Award to Microgravity and Space Processes Award. This award is presented biennially (in even-numbered years) generally at the AIAA SciTech Forum (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Pendray Aerospace Literature Award

The Pendray Aerospace Literature Award is named in honor of Dr. G. Edward Pendray, a founder and past president of the American Rocket Society. The award is presented for an outstanding contribution or contributions to aeronautical and astronautical literature in the relatively recent past. The emphasis should be upon the high quality or major influence of the piece rather than, for example, the importance of the underlying technological contribution. The award is an incentive for aerospace professionals to write eloquently and persuasively about their field and should encompass editorials as well as papers or books. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1

Propellants & Combustion Award

First presented in 1990, the Propellants and Combustion Award is presented for outstanding technical contributions to aeronautical or astronautical combustion engineering. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA SciTech ForumNomination Deadline: 1 July

Structures, Structural Dynamics, & Materials Award

Established in 1967, the Structures, Structural Dynamics, & Materials Award is presented to an individual who has been responsible for an outstanding sustained technical or scientific contribution in aerospace structures, structural dynamics, or materials. It is not presented in the years that the Walter J. and Angeline H. Crichlow Trust Prize, AIAA-ASC James H. Starnes Award or Ashley Award for Aeroelasticity are presented. This biennial award (even numbered years) is generally presented at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Summerfield Book Award

The Summerfield Book Award is named in honor of Dr. Martin Summerfield, founder and initial editor of the Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics series of books published by the AIAA. The award is presented to the author of the best book recently published (within the last five years) by AIAA. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Survivability Award

Established in 1993, the Survivability Award is presented to an individual or a team to recognize outstanding achievement or contribution in design, analysis, implementation and/or education of survivability in an aerospace system. This award is presented biennially (in even-numbered years) generally at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Sustained Service Award

The Sustained Service Award is presented to recognize sustained, significant service and contributions to AIAA by members of the Institute. The nominee/recipient must be a member in good standing who has shown continuing dedication to the interests of the Institute by making significant and sustained contributions over a period of time, typically 10 years or more. Active participation and service at the local section/regional level, and/or the national level is a potential discriminator in the evaluation of candidates. A maximum of 20 awards are presented each year. These annual awards are presented at a Forum or activity with which the recipient is most associated or active, or may be presented by the recipient’s local AIAA section at an appropriate section event. A nomination form, scoresheet and additional information (no more than one page) that provides details to substantiate the scores for various activities is required. Nominees must score a minimum of 100 points on the score sheet. Letters of endorsement are not required for this award. Members of the AIAA Board of Directors are not eligible for this award until their term of service ends. Nomination Deadline: 1 July

Wyld Propulsion Award

The Propulsion Award and the James H. Wyld Memorial Award honoring the developer of the regeneratively-cooled rocket engine were combined in 1964 to become the James H. Wyld Propulsion Award. In 1975 the name was again modified to the Wyld Propulsion Award, which is now presented for outstanding achievement in the development or application of rocket propulsion systems. This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech). Nomination Deadline: 1 July