IAF Young Pioneer Award

The IAF Young Pioneer Award is presented annually to a young scientist who has significantly contributed to the advancement of the aerospace science and has presented it with a paper at the IAC.

2024 Call for Nominations - CLOSE

The IAF Young Pioneer Award is presented annually by the Space Education and Outreach Committee (SEOC) of the International Astronautical Federation to a young scientist, below 30 years of age, who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the aerospace science and has given a paper at the International Astronautical Congress on the contribution.

The IAF Young Pioneer Award is bestowed during the Closing Ceremony of the International Astronautical Congress and the recipient is invited to participate in the Gala Dinner of the IAC. The award consists of a Medal and a Certificate prepared by the International Astronautical Federation.

The Call for the Award opens each summer and the awardee is selected during the International Astronautical Congress.

IAF Young Pioneer Award recipients

  • 2023 Sona Guliyeva (Azerbaijian)

History of the Award

Despite being one of the newest awards bestowed by the Federation the IAF Young Pioneer Award lays its foundation in the former Luigi G. Napolitano Award which was sponsored by the Napolitano family. Please, find below further information about the former Luigi G. Napolitano Award and the past winners.

Luigi G. Napolitano Award, history and past winners

For further information about the IAf Young Pioneer Award, please contact the IAF Secretariat at: