New concept in awards introduced by automation society!

This time of year our attention is focussed on the many awards ceremonies especially in the entertainment, the Grammys, BAFTA, IFTA and the daddy of the all the Oscars! The Automation industry also has a system of recognising the imagination, innovation, pioneering and sheer hard work of automation professionals.

Recently the International Society of Instrumentation (ISA) conducted a major revision of their honours and awards programme. Peer recognition of outstanding achievement has always been valued by ISA’s membership both internationally and in the individual sections. Indeed we recently reported on such a ceremony at the Ireland Section.

ISA has a long-standing tradition of honoring those who have made significant technical contributions to the automation community and those who have given dedicated service to advance the mission of the Society. It recognises that to be meaningful, recognition must be relevant. Following an in-depth analysis of the Society’s awards, the ISA Executive Board approved a major revision to ISA’s awards program last year.

Thus they are now introducing Celebrating Excellence - ISA's awards program that recognises excellence in leadership, excellence in Society service, excellence in corporate and individual technical innovation, and excellence in education.

Nelson Ninan, former ISA President and this years's Chair of their H&A Committee advises, "In addition to the traditional process of nomination and committee review process, Celebrating Excellence  introduces the Member's Choice Awards, a concept very different from anything that has been done previously within ISA’s awards program. In Member's Choice, members control the process from nomination to selection of the honoree.  Intrigued?  We hope so."

Members are now invited to review the Celebrating Excellence award categories. "We are confident your thoughts will turn toward individuals who deserve consideration for one or more of these prestigious recognitions." The 2012 Celebrating Excellence nomination window will be opening in a few days.

"Get ready to begin Celebrating Excellence!" concludes Chair Ninan!

The awards will be presented at Automation Week in Orlando in September 2012.