ISA seeks to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals and by member groups. Recognitions are conferred by the Executive Board upon recommendation from established selection committees. This policy does not govern awards given by ISA Sections.
Establishment of Awards
The establishment of and criteria for all recognitions is at the discretion of the Executive Board. The scope of each recognition must be broad enough to cover a substantial portion of ISA activities. Competition should be open to a large enough pool such that the contributions be worthy of special recognition. Recognitions may not be named for individuals and must have unique criteria.
Eligibility
Those serving on the applicable selection committee, or the Executive Board, are not eligible for recognition.
Nominations
Unless otherwise noted, nominations are sought annually for all Society recognitions. Nominations do not carry over from year to year. Those serving on the applicable selection committee, or the Executive Board, may not submit nominations nor formally endorse any nominee. Nominations are confidential.
Selections
All eligible nominations are reviewed by the Executive Board assigned selection committee. If, in the opinion of the selection committee, a nominee is better qualified for another award, the selection committee may move the nomination to another category. Selection committees are not required to confer a recognition in every category.
Recognition Categories
Enduring Society Service
Recognizes an ISA member with a minimum of 10 years of distinguished and dedicated service at the Section and/or Society level.
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Volunteers of the Year
Recognizes up to five (5) members who, in the previous year, have provided the most outstanding service to advance the mission of the Society. These awards will acknowledge specific accomplishments or inspirational leadership in the previous year including, but not limited to, sections, events and committees.
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Student Volunteers of the Year
Recognizes up to three (3) students members who, in the previous year, have provided the most outstanding service to advance the mission of the Society. These awards will acknowledge specific accomplishments or inspirational leadership in the previous year including, but not limited to, sections, events and committees.
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Excellence in Mentoring
Recognizes an ISA member who has, in the previous year, excelled in mentoring students and/or young professionals in automation. The efforts of this honoree have promoted and encouraged student and/or young professional involvement in automation and ISA programs. Consideration is based on time, attitude and effort in mentoring; willingness to share technical insights and guidance; encouragement and support for development of skills and confidence; insights and feedback from mentees.
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Excellence in Education
Recognizes an ISA member who has developed and/or enhanced educational programs to advance the automation profession through educational institutions. Consideration is based on documented and tangible results of a program newly adopted by an academic institution or enhancements made to an established program. Recipients must demonstrate outstanding administrative capability in advancing the goals of an educational program.
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Section Excellence
Recognizes professional sections for development and execution of programs, initiatives, activities and/or services that advance the mission of the Society. Award may be conferred on no more than 5% of the sections in good standing. Selection is equally weighted between the Section’s health score from the previous year and the outstanding initiative which has been launched, implemented and produced tangible results in the previous year.
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Automation Professional of the Year*
Recognizes an individual who has influenced a paradigm shift in the automation profession. The individual has had a sustained impact on the industry that has created lasting social value. Consideration is given in the following areas:
- Advocacy: Advancing the standing of the profession
- Education: Advancing automation as a discipline
- Emerging Technology: Taking a key role in the sustained adoption of a ground-breaking technology
- Globalization: Actively spreading automation an/or a specific technology globally, specifically breaking down barriers in emerging areas
- Innovation: Advocating for the adoption of an innovative technology or application of an existing technology in a novel, ground-breaking manner
- Sustainability: Advancing the application of technology to support global sustainability goals.
When deemed appropriate, candidates may be recommended for Honorary Membership in conjunction with receipt of the award.
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Excellence in Corporate Technical Innovation
Recognizes the company whose innovative development and/or product has enhanced social value and/or provides a solution to one or more social, economic, technological or environmental challenge. The innovation, developed within the preceding year, addresses challenges derived from current megatrends and promotes the use of best practices within the profession such as:
- Globalization and connected industry
- Sustainability: Energy efficiency, environmental impact, human health and safety
- Human development: Mobilization and migrations
- Requirements of emerging markets
- Utilization of knowledge and modern technology
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Excellence in Technical Achievement*
Recognizes an individual or team with the most outstanding contributions in the development or implementation of a product, process, technical paper or presentation that introduces a new technology or explains an existing automation process. Content developed may include an OnPoint presentation or an ISA published article, whitepaper, case study or ebook with consideration for originality or novelty of the idea or reseach, technical and logical soundness, clarity and professionalism, level of inspiration, relevance to industry and audience reception. Content may not be professionally edited and must have been presented or published in the preceding five (5) years.
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Excellence in Standards*
Recognizes a standards committee member for exceptional efforts in organization, development and/or administration to further the development of ISA standards. This award may be presented to up to six (6) honorees.
Selection Committee = Honors & Awards
Best Selling Book
Recognizes the author(s) of the best-selling ISA book for the previous year.
Selection Committee = ISA Staff
Fellow
Recognizes Senior Members who have made exceptional (significant) contributions to the automation profession, in practice or in academia. Candidates must have a minimum of three (3) years of ISA membership. Nominations will be evaluated by a minimum of three (3) Fellows. There is no limit to the number of nominees that may be elevated to Fellow each year. Fellow designation is contingent on continued membership in ISA.
Selection Committee = Fellow Admissions Committee
*Open to non-members