Nethercot Paper Prize, 2021

Early career architects, engineers, and designers (expected to be under 35 and based in the UK) are invited to submit a single author paper for judging for the Nethercot Prize. The paper should cover the process of designing a new structure or adapting an old one. The prize is named after Professor David Nethercot, President of IABSE 2013-2016.

Shortlisted authors will be invited to the IABSE Milne Medal dinner normally held in November each year (pandemic permitting). The winner of the paper competition will be awarded with a contribution of £400 towards participation and travel to an upcoming IABSE international conference, reimbursed after the attendance of the conference. In light of the current status of in person conferences and events, this will be available for future events in 2021 or 2022.

Story telling is a key skill to successfully convey ideas during a project. Excellent quality work can easily be ignored if not accompanied with appropriate communication. This award aims to encourage the written communication skills of the participants and highlight the excellent project work that is carried out by IABSE early career professionals.

The judges are not interested on reading papers that focus on selling the outcome of a project. A successful paper in the Nethercot Prize 2021 will engage with the reader; define the key drivers of a project you have been working on; explain the key architectural or structural engineering interventions that have been made; explain what has been your contribution to the project; explain what makes both the project and your contrition remarkable; and especially, critically analyse what went well and what might have been improved.

 Papers should be limited to 1300 words. Images and figures may be incorporated but the submission must cover no more than five A4 pages at point size 11.

 Judging Criteria

1. Engagement of the reader
2. Communication of technical content and overall written style
3. Insight and understanding of the wider project
4. Understanding and communication of the impact of our work on the wider community
5. Critical reflection on the design process and appropriate identification of lessons learned (positive or negative)

Please do not assume that basing your paper on the style of previously awarded or shortlisted papers is the appropriate route to follow to succeed in this edition of the Nethercot Prize.

Authors are required to confirm with the relevant people (project director or as appropriate) that the subject matter is appropriate for public dissemination.

Submission

Submit your paper by email to events@iabse.org.uk 

 Programme

22nd October 2021            EXTENDED Entry deadline (5pm)
22nd to 31st October         Judging
1st November                    Shortlist announced
9th November                   Awards announced at Milne Medal lecture

Please note that success in this competition will not lead directly to your paper being accepted for presentation at an IABSE Symposium.