In celebration of standards and their growing impact on public health and safety, SES – The Society for Standardization Professionals and the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day Planning Committee have launched a paper competition for individuals in the U.S. standards and conformity assessment community. The winner will be recognized at the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day, to be held on October 23, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Rockville, MD.
Authors may write about the 2025 World Standards Day theme, “Standards for Public Health and Safety,” or select another topic of their choosing related to standards and their use. Additionally, they may choose to address topics that are either domestic or international in scope. The competition is open to any individual in the private sector, government, or academia, and employees of standards developing organizations. Entrants must reside in the U.S. If employed, they must be employed by a U.S.-based organization. Co-authorship is permitted.
A cash prize of $1,500 will be awarded by SES and the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day Planning Committee for the best paper submitted. In addition, the winning paper will be published on the SES website. All paper contest submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT on August 29, 2025. For the complete rules and tips for writing papers, and to submit a paper competition entry, visit the SES website at https://www.ses-standards.org/page/world-standards-day-2025.
About the 2025 Theme “Standards for Public Health and Safety”
From the water we drink, to the buildings we inhabit, to the transportation systems we rely on, nearly every aspect of our daily lives is safeguarded by private-sector-led, voluntary standards. As part of the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day 2025, we recognize the dedicated individuals and robust frameworks that make standards for public health and safety a reality in our increasingly complex world.
About World Standards Day
World Standards Day (WSD) was initially launched in 1970, and is now recognized and celebrated by nations around the globe. U.S. activities are organized annually by a planning committee consisting of representatives from the standards and conformity assessment community. The U.S. Celebration of WSD planning committee is co-chaired by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). IAPMO is the 2025 administrating organization of the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Day.
About SES