IRI Awards

IRI recognizes excellence in technological innovation management each year through three separate awards, given at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Institute. The Awards Committee recommends winning candidates for both the IRI Medal and the Achievement Award and selection of the Maurice Holland Award is made by the Board of Editors.

IRI Medal

The IRI Medal, established in 1946, recognizes and honors leaders of technology for their outstanding accomplishments in technological innovation which contribute broadly to the development of industry and to the benefit of society.  This award is traditionally presented at the IRI Annual Meeting held each spring.

One side of the medal depicts the scientist in a never-ending quest for knowledge.  Imagination and mental activity are symbolized by Pegasus.  The practical results of harnessing national forces to meet the  needs of mankind are represented in the clouds issuing from the retort.  The reverse side of the medal is an adaptation of the official seal of the Industrial Research Institute.

IRI Achievement Award

The IRI Achievement Award, established in 1973, is given to honor outstanding accomplishment in individual creativity and innovation that contribute broadly to the development of industry and to the benefit of society. The award is presented at the IRI Annual Meeting. 

Tangible recognition of the award is an original work of art symbolizing the creative nature of scientific achievement.  The bronze sculpture expresses the flight of imagination in achieving technological innovation.  The artist, John Blair, is a renowned sculptor whose work has been exhibited in galleries in New York City and San Francisco.  His work is on permanent display at the Cavalier Gallery in Stamford, Connecticut.

Maurice Holland Award

The Maurice Holland Award was established in 1982 in honor of IRI’s founder, Maurice Holland.  The award recognizes the best paper published in Research-Technology Management in the previous year that meets the criteria of significance to the field of R&D, technology, and innovation management; originality of new management concepts; and excellence in clarity of presentation. The award is traditionally presented at the IRI Member Summit.

IRI Honorary Fellow

The IRI Honorary Fellow  recognizes and rewards individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the field of industrial research or who has rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the Institute.  Honorary Fellows are inducted during IRI’s Member Summit.  To nominate an IRI Fellow…