New IAQM awards now open for nominations
There are four new awards on offer, so please familiarise yourself with the criteria and begin thinking about your nominations! We look forward to reviewing submissions and celebrating the excellence of the air quality community and IAQM members at all career stages.
All award winners will receive:
- A trophy
- Ticket(s) to Routes to Clean Air 2026
- Publicity on the IAQM website and LinkedIn page
The awards ceremony will be held at Routes to Clean Air 2026, which is taking place on the 21st – 22nd October 2026
Header image credit: © Kai | AdobeStock
Individual Awards
Recognises significant achievement and service in the field of air quality. It will be awarded to an individual who has championed improving air quality, including growing awareness either within the industry or outside. The IAQM President (currently Claire Holman) has the deciding vote on the winner. Open to members and non-members.
Named in honour of Robert Angus Smith, who was the UK Government’s first Alkali Inspector, this award recognises an AQ professional who has advanced scientific understanding and knowledge of AQ within the profession and beyond. Open to anyone working in or researching air quality. They do not need to be a member of the IAQM.
Group/organisation awards
Awarded in honour of Dr Mary Catterall, this award recognises an innovative solution to bring about a positive change and a move towards clean air in the UK. Groups or organisations are eligible. They do not need to be a member of the IAQM. The innovation in question must have been developed or implemented in the last 12 months.
Early Career Network Awards
Named in honour of Prof. Helen ApSimon, this award recognises an outstanding contribution to the IAQM by an early career professional. Open to IAQM ECN members who have attended at least one live IAQM event and contributed to at least one event (IAQM or IES) on a subject relevant to the field of AQ in the 12 months preceding the application.
Named in honour of Dr Ian McCrae, this award recognises an outstanding essay written by an early career professional answering a question put forward by the IAQM ECN Subcommittee. IAQM ECN members wishing to enter should submit their essay (maximum 650 words) at the link below.
IAQM Awards FAQs
Robert Angus Smith was a Scottish chemist known for his air quality research in 1852. He was the government’s first Alkali Inspector. He is credited with the phrase ‘Acid Rain’. His work in 19th-century Britain supported the rise of atmospheric chemistry, ensuring chemical works obeyed new pollution laws.
Dr Mary Catterall, who was a doctor and sculptor, was the script and medical advisor to the film, It Takes Your Breath Away. Dr Catterall became concerned with the effect of air pollution on lung health when she was appointed Senior Registrar in Respiratory Medicine at Leeds General Infirmary, England, in 1960.
Professor Helen ApSimon is a distinguished UK environmental scientist known for her expertise in air pollution and atmospheric chemistry. She has made significant contributions to research on the transport and effects of air pollutants, particularly in relation to acid rain and transboundary pollution.
Dr Ian McCrae was a very well-respected and widely liked air quality practitioner who worked for TRL. He made significant contributions to the understanding of emissions from transport and their links with air quality.
