The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) presents a variety of awards to both individual, corporate and student members. The awards are presented to a member or a group of members who have made an outstanding contribution towards the development and use of geosynthetics through their scientific and technological work or for service to the IGS.

All members of IGS except the President of the IGS and the members of the Awards Committee are eligible for IGS awards. All nominated award candidates must be members of the IGS.

AWARDS GIVEN BY THE IGS

Honorary Membership – Honorary Membership may be bestowed by Council upon a limited number of persons on the basis of distinguished position, scientific achievement, outstanding service to the Society, or major contributions to the promotion of geosynthetics and their applications.
The Giroud Lecture – The Giroud Lecturer is chosen by the IGS Council and the lecture is presented at the International Conference on Geosynthetics.
The Mercer Lecture – The Mercer lecturer is selected by a committee convened by the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) and the IGS. The lecture, sponsored by Tensar International, should focus in geosynthetic technologies but presented in geotechnical engineering venues held in three different continents.
The IGS Award – This is the most prestigious of all the IGS Awards and recognizes advances in the scientific and engineering development of geosynthetics products and associated technologies. This award is given out every four years in concert with the IGS General Assembly and the International Conference on Geosynthetics (ICG). The IGS Award will be presented to individuals or groups of individuals who made an outstanding contribution to the development and use of geosynthetics, related products or associated technologies, through their scientific and technological work. For example an award can be given for design and construction of a structure; publication of a technical document (paper, book, article, manual); completion of a research program; development of new products and techniques.
The Young IGS Member Award – This award is identical to the IGS Award but given specifically to members under the age of 36 years.
IGS Service Award – This award is given out to IGS members in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the society and the greater good of the geosynthetics discipline.
IGS Young Member Service Award – This award is given to IGS members who are under 36 years old on the last year of the four-year period considered for the award. This award is given in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the society and the greater good of the geosynthetics discipline.
IGS Plaque – Presented in recognition of a specific goal or service achieved by the recipient.
IGS Chapter Achievement/Service Award – This award may be given out by IGS Chapters every four years. It is given at the IGS Regional conferences to recognize exceptional service or achievement at the chapter level.
IGS Student Awards – Each chapter of the IGS has the opportunity to run a contest among their student members to receive this award. The award consists of a $1000 stipend to assist with travel to their regional conference and the opportunity to present their winning paper at the conference. Each student receives a certificate.
Special Awards – The IGS Council may, from time to time, present a Special Award when circumstances dictate an award to be presented that does not meet the criteria of regular awards categories.
20 Year Corporate Award – To recognize the contribution by corporate members who have been members continuously for 20 years.
30 Year Corporate Award – To recognize those corporate members who have been continuous members for 30 years.

About the IGS Awards

All award winners are presented with a certificate to commemorate their award. In addition, the IGS Award winners receive a specially commissioned medal. Awards are generally presented at, or in connection with, the IGS General Assembly or at a Regional IGS Conference. On a case by case basis, the IGS Council may decide to organize an award ceremony at another time.