The Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE) has launched its search to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievement in the field of Engineering. The Parsons Medal the academy’s premier award and is awarded annually by the IAE to celebrate someone who has made or led a transformational contribution to the practice of engineering on the island of Ireland. Nominees can be working in any sector including business, industry, the public sector, and academia.
The Parsons Medal commemorates the work of Sir Charles Algernon Parsons, the Irish inventor of steam turbines and the youngest son of the famous astronomer William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse. The family seat of the Parsons family is at Birr Castle, Co. Offaly.
The process of identifying a suitable person will comprise the following.
- The Academy is initially seeking from the Fellowship suggestions of suitable names. Such suggestions should comprise a summary of the person’s contributions and should be no more than one page in length.
- The Academy’s Parsons’ medal committee will then create an internal shortlist. People whose names have been identified will then be approached to ensure that they are happy to be considered for this. Following this more detailed background will be sought to help the committee make a final decision. In doing so, input will also be sought from suitable external referees.
Criteria
-
- The medal will be awarded to an engineer who has made an exceptional contribution to the practice of engineering on the island of Ireland that has resulted in significant social or economic impact.
- Nominees can be working in any sector including business, industry, the public sector, and academia.
The Academy is keen to seek suggestions that cover diversity in terms of gender, geography and discipline.
Applications to be submitted to the Honorary Secretary at academy@iae.ie
Closing date for initial suggestions from the Fellowship is May 17th, 2024.