The theme for this year's paper competition is "Advancing Safety and Sustainability Standards Worldwide." Issues of safety and sustainability are important causes for stakeholders around the world, from alternative energies and environmental protection to the safety of products, services, homes, and workplaces. As governments, organizations, and individuals alike strive to address these transnational challenges, globally relevant standards provide the technological and scientific foundations that drive health, safety, and environmental innovation.
This year, the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day - Advancing Safety and Sustainability Standards Worldwide - will recognize the crucial role of standards, codes, and conformity assessment in assuring the health and safety of people and the environment, today and for future generations. Standardization speeds innovation, facilitates harmonized trade, and boosts consumer and government confidence in products, services, systems, and processes. But above all, standardization provides an adaptive framework for developing the most effective solutions to critical global challenges.
Paper competition winners will be announced and given their awards during a banquet at the celebration, which will be held on October 13, 2011, 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 will be published in SES's journal, Standards Engineering.
All paper contest submissions must be received with an official entry form by midnight, August 12, 2011, by Leona Nisbet, SES executive director, 1950 Lafayette Road, Box 1, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801. For details on the winners' recognition, cash awards, judging, and rules, click here to visit the SES website.
About SES - The Society for Standards Professionals
Established in 1947, SES is a not-for-profit professional membership society whose mission is to provide opportunities for professional development through quality programs and services for standards users and professionals, and to promote the awareness, use, and value of standards and standardization to the private and public sectors. SES is the member body for Canada and the United States in the International Federation of Standards Users (IFAN) and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). SES members are primarily involved in the application and use of company, government, national, regional, and international standards.
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 International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) will act as the administrating organization for WSD 2011. For more information or to register, please visit www.wsd-us.org.