Call for Applications to U.S. Blue Sky Awards

The international award program, in its 5th edition, now offers 2 categories:

• The Blue Sky Young Researchers Innovation Award competition is open to students and researchers who are:
  • 30 years or younger on September 19, 2024
  • Carrying out research and innovation projects relevant to forestry and the forest products industry
  • Have links to academia, public or private research centers, and/or corporate research and innovation departments

• The Blue Sky PRO Young Professionals Innovation Award competition is open to researchers and professionals who are:
  • 35 years or younger on September 19, 2024
  • Carrying out research and innovation projects relevant to forestry and the forest products industry
  • Have links to private research centers and/or corporate research and innovation departments

A panel of judges, including representatives from industry, research and academia, will select up to 2 finalists for the U.S. competition. Applicants will be judged on their research and development, and potential impact across the forest-sector value chain.

Up to 2 U.S. candidates will be nominated to the international Blue Sky Award competition, which is sponsored by the International Council of Forest & Paper Associations (ICFPA ). The ICFPA represents 18 pulp, paper, wood and fiber-based associations that encompass 28 countries.

The top 3 international finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their projects at the ICFPA CEO Roundtable in May 2025 in New York City.

• The top international finalist will receive $1,500.
• The second and third place international finalists will receive $750 and $500, respectively.
• Travel and accommodation expenses for the 3 international finalists will be covered to present at the ICFPA CEO Roundtable.

The deadline for submissions for the U.S. Blue Sky Awards is December 9, 2024. Applications must include a short CV, summary of the project and a letter of support.

Blue Sky Award program details, full application criteria and online application form are available at afandpa.org/BlueSky.