The theme for this year's paper competition, Standards Level the Playing Field, reflects the important role that voluntary consensus standards play in support of trade and economic growth in today's increasingly global economy. Globally relevant standards make it easier for small and medium enterprises to get their products certified and on the shelves in countries around the world, allowing them to take part in global value chains, benefit from technology transfer, and compete on a more equal footing with larger or entrenched competitors. Similarly, nations that incorporate international standards into their policies and regulations can allow their citizens access to a wider selection of high-quality goods, while also providing protection against dangerous or faulty products and services.
This year's U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day will focus on the ways international standards help to safeguard consumer health and safety, while also stimulating national and international diversification and free market competition. Paper competition winners will be announced and given their awards during the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day banquet on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, DC. Cash prizes will be awarded for up to three papers selected by a panel of judges. The first place winner will receive a plaque and $2,500. Second and third place winners will receive $1,000 and $500, respectively, along with a certificate. In addition, the winning papers are expected to be published in the SES journal, Standards Engineering.
All submissions must be previously unpublished, between 2,500 and 4,500 words long, and formatted in 10-point, Times New Roman font. Each submission must in include a completed entry form, and must be sent by email to [email protected] by August 8 to be eligible. The contest's complete list of rules is available online.
More information about the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day 2014, Standards Level the Playing Field, is available at www.wsd-us.org.
About the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day
Since the initial celebration in 1970, World Standards Day (WSD) is now recognized in nations around the globe. U.S. activities are organized annually by a planning committee consisting of representatives from across the standards and conformity assessment community. The event is co-chaired each year by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) will serve as the 2014 administrating organization for the U.S. Celebration of WSD. For more information or to register, please visit www.wsd-us.org.