Introducing the new IAQM Awards — celebrating excellence across the air quality profession

Why we’re launching these awards

To recognise and reward excellence across the full breadth of the air quality profession — research, practice, advocacy and practical solutions.
To showcase innovative projects and bring well-deserved attention to the people and teams who are advancing understanding and action on air quality.
To provide a platform for winners to share learning and inspire others at IAQM events, including our flagship Routes to Clean Air (RTCA) conference.

What winners receive

A bespoke trophy.
A free ticket to RTCA conference — to present, network and celebrate.

The awards and who they are for

Below are the existing and new awards, and the outline eligibility/entry route for each.

Ian McCrae Award (existing)

Purpose: Recognises outstanding early career achievement around a set topic in air quality.
Who it’s for: IAQM Associates or Members within the first 10 years of their career (Early Careers Network focus).
How to apply: Submit an essay in response to a question set by the IAQM Early Careers’ Network (ECN).

Helen ApSimon Award (new)

Purpose: Recognises an outstanding contribution to IAQM by an early career professional.
Who it’s for: IAQM ECN members who have been actively engaged with the ECN.
Eligibility criteria: Applicants must have attended at least one live IAQM ECN event in the 12 months before application, and must have presented or contributed to at least one live event on an air-quality-relevant subject in that same 12-month period.
How to apply: Nominations from IAQM ECN members (self-nominations accepted).

Mary Catterall Award (new)

Purpose: Recognises an innovative solution that supports the move towards cleaner air in the UK.
Who it’s for: Groups or organisations delivering practical, innovative work to improve air quality.
Eligibility: Open to both IAQM members and non-members.
How to apply: Nominations (self-nominations accepted).

President’s Award (new)

Purpose: Awarded for significant achievement and service in the field of air quality to an individual who has championed cleaner air.
Who it’s for: Individuals inside or outside the air quality profession whose leadership or service has had a notable impact.
How to apply: Nominations must be submitted by IAQM members.

Robert Angus Smith Award (new)

Purpose: Recognises an air quality professional who has advanced scientific understanding and knowledge of air quality both within the profession and beyond.
Who it’s for: Individuals working in or researching air quality.
How to apply: Nominations must be submitted by IAQM members.

Key dates and next steps

Launch: These awards will be formally launched at RTCA 2026 — returning in October 2026.
Applications open: April 2026 (watch IAQM channels for the exact opening day and full entry details).
Applications close: August 2026.
Winners notified: September 2026.
Presentation: Trophies will be presented at the RTCA networking dinner on the first night of the conference.

We will publish full entry criteria, nomination forms and judging guidance when applications open in April. Winners will receive a trophy and a free ticket to RTCA so they can join us in October to celebrate and share their work with the wider profession.

Get involved — create the buzz!

Start thinking now about who in your team, organisation or network deserves recognition.
Consider projects and innovations that have delivered measurable air quality benefits, and colleagues who have championed change.
Encourage early career colleagues to engage with the ECN so they meet the eligibility requirements for the Ian McCrae and Helen ApSimon awards.

We’re excited to see entries that capture the energy, creativity and technical excellence of the IAQM community. These awards are for you — the people and projects who turn knowledge into cleaner air for our communities.

For more information or to ask questions, contact us at info@iaqm.com. Keep an eye on the IAQM website and member communications for the detailed guidance and nomination forms when applications open in April 2026.

Let’s celebrate the people and projects that are making cleaner air a reality — and make some noise for the first IAQM Awards!

Launch webinar: 22nd January 2026

This webinar unveiled the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM)'s new awards programme, designed to recognise exceptional contributions across the air quality profession. Attendees were provided with a clear overview of the new awards – their background, categories, eligibility criteria, and their nomination processes – everything you need to know to nominate a colleague, project, or team that’s advancing practice, innovation, and impact in our field. Whether you’re an early career practitioner, an established professional, or are representing an organisation in the sector, learn how these awards can highlight achievement, inspire others, and support professional recognition.

We’re delighted to have been able to feature a special career insight presentation from Professor Helen ApSimon, whose work was a powerful inspiration behind one of the awards. Helen shared her personal career journey, the motivations and challenges that have guided her work, and practical lessons for anyone seeking to make a meaningful contribution to air quality science and policy. Her talk brought the awards to life by illustrating the real-world impact and career pathways the IAQM seeks to celebrate.