Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal - Call for Nominations

The Call for Nominations 2024 has been extended!

Deadline extended! Submit your nominations by Wednesday 31 January 2024!

The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) is pleased to announce the Call for Nominations for its 2024 Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal that recognizes outstanding contributions to space education by an educator who promotes the study of astronautics and space science.

Who may nominate?

Representatives of IAF Member Organizations in good standing. IAF member organizations may nominate only one person per selection cycle for this award.

Who can be nominated?

An educator who has taken the fullest advantage of the resources available to them to promote the study of astronautics and related space sciences. It is expected that the selectee will attend the next IAC and give a keynote presentation in a SEOC session (E1. Space Education and Outreach Symposium).

Diversity

We encourage nominators to take into account the Federation’s 3G Diversity principle, and to help us celebrate and recognize the rich diversity in our community, by considering geography, generation and gender, as well as other factors, when making nominations that otherwise fulfill the respective nominating criteria for each award.

Nomination criteria

If you would like to nominate a candidate, please submit the following information:

  • 1 Nomination Letter;
  • The candidate’s credentials, including educational background, work history, awards and honours, and published works;
  • Information regarding current or past participation in IAF, IAA or IISL events. The candidate should affirm that should they be selected; they would attend the next IAC and give a keynote (exceptions can be made should the candidate be physically unable to attend, or the award is given posthumously);
  • Draft title of the SEOC keynote and preference as to which SEOC session the candidate’s keynote would be given;
  • At least 3 letters of recommendation, two professional and one personal; letters from students are encouraged;
  • A letter from an IAF member organisation, signed by the responsible official of that organisation and listing the point of contact for any questions. IAF member organizations may nominate only one person per selection cycle.

The entire application package should not exceed 15 pages.

Judging Criteria

  • 30% Exemplary Education in Classroom or Education Administration (e.g., innovative approaches to education, special use of resources);
  • 30% Promotion of the study of Astronautics and Related Space Sciences Beyond the Classroom with National, Regional, or Global Impact;
  • 20% Strength of Professional References;
  • 20% Service to IAF.

The Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal recipient will be selected by the Malina Medal Subcommittee which will review the nominations and make a recommendation to the IAF Honours and Awards Committee, which will, in turn, make a recommendation for the recipient to the IAF Bureau during the IAF Spring Meetings (26 - 28 March 2024). The final decision rests with the IAF Bureau.

The Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal will be awarded an engraved commemorative medal. The medal will be awarded to the recipient during the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) Closing Ceremony and the recipient will be invited to participate in the Gala Dinner of the IAC as a special guest of the IAF President. In addition, the recipient will deliver the Keynote Address in the E1. Space Education and Outreach Symposium taking place during International Astronautical Congress.

Nomination documents must be received by IAF Secretariat by Wednesday 31 January 2024 23:59 CET, by email at award@iafastro.org (Subject line: NOMINEE’S LAST NAME Nominee’s First Name – 2024 Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal).

If email is not available, please contact the IAF Secretariat info@iafastro.org.

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