AWARD CATEGORIES:

The Advanced Manufacturing Award recognizes accomplishments in the use of automation, innovative processes, and technology to achieve extraordinary levels of process control and product quality.

The Advanced Materials Award recognizes accomplishments in materials science that create new materials or properties leading to significant business, economic, or societal benefits for the region.

ANALYSIS & REPORTING AWARD
Presented by WTAE-TV, Channel 4

The Reporting & Analysis Award recognizes individual achievement or team collaboration in a body of communications or journalistic work, during the course of a year or longer, that presents science and technology news and issues via any medium, including new media.

The Catalyst Award recognizes individuals and organizations who have come to exemplify an area of science because of the actions they have taken to create public awareness over a broad swath of society, exemplified by people like Rachel Carson in the environment, Red Whittaker in robotics, and Alan Russell in regenerative medicine.

The Corporate Innovation Award is given to an organization or representative of an organization that develops and encourages an environment that promotes innovation in science or technology. Our evaluators look for systems and policies that foster creativity and maximize the contributions of all individuals. Scoring criteria in past years have included the level and quantity of scientific innovation, organizational commitment to innovation, the impact on the reputation of the region, and realized and potential economic or employment benefit. Supplementary materials are welcome.

Educator Awards recognize innovation in science and technology education at each of the following four levels: Elementary Educator presented by Eaton Corporation; Middle Level Educator presented by Westinghouse Electric Company; High School Educator; and University/Post-secondary Educator. Educators are recognized for innovation in inspiring students to understand, appreciate, and apply science, and for the extent that these innovations are disseminated. Candidates must have at least three years teaching experience.

The School District Award recognizes excellence in system-wide commitment to strengthening science education throughout grades K–12, with a particular emphasis on promoting professional development to support teachers, teacher leadership in improvement of science education, and a conceptual approach to teaching science with hands-on science materials.

The University/Post-Secondary Student Award recognizes scientific advances through research, effectiveness in increasing the public awareness of the role of science or engineering to society, and inspiring youth in the promotion of career opportunities.

The Emerging Female Scientist Award recognizes a female leader whose cutting-edge work is inspiring change in math, science, or technology.

The Entrepreneur Awards recognize two entrepreneurs who have successfully commercialized research in science and technology to develop businesses and create jobs. Each award focuses on a different stage of the company life cycle:

START-UP ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Presented by Pittsburgh Technology Council

The Start-Up Entrepreneur Award recognizes leadership in developing a promising innovation in an early-stage company.

ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Presented by New Perspective

The Entrepreneur Award recognizes demonstrated long-term success in a more mature organization.

The Environmental Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the fields of environmental protection and restoration that benefit the economy, health, and quality of life in our region.

The Information Technology Award recognizes innovation in the development and commercialization of an information technology-based solution resulting in significant business impact.

The Life Sciences Award recognizes and honors scientific advances in new and innovative biomedical and life sciences endeavors.

Winners of the Annual Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair are recognized in the following categories: Junior Division presented by Bombardier; Intermediate Division presented by NOVA Chemicals; and Senior Division presented by FedEx Ground.