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. Other than endowed scholarships, 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 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
Excellence in Technical Achievement*
Recognizes up to five individuals 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 ISA published article, whitepaper, case study, webinar or book 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 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
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
Scholarships
Recognizes student members enrolled full-time in either a 2, 3 or 4-year Undergraduate or Graduate program at an accredited educational institution, who demonstrate outstanding potential in the fields of automation and control or a closely related field. Students must apply and be enrolled in the calendar year following the year the scholarship is granted. Scholarships support tuition, research activities and initiatives, and related academic expenses. Each scholarship is a one-time payment to the recipient. Previous recipients may reapply in subsequent years.
Selection Committee = Scholarship Selection Committee
*Open to non-members
Approved July 2026.