Information Systems Award Open for Nominations 10 February 2026 – 1 June 2026

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The Information Systems Award is presented for technical and/or management contributions in space and aeronautics computer and sensing aspects of information technology and science. All nominations must emphasize the nominee’s specific contributions to aerospace information systems and detail the nominee’s specific contribution to aerospace information. This award is presented biennially (in odd-numbered years) generally at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition.

Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 10 February (Even-numbered years)
Nomination Deadline: 1 June (Even-numbered years)
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 July (Even-numbered years)

Award Recipients

2023

  • Dr Jimmie G McEver III
    The Johns Hopkins University - Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL)
    Awarded
    Award: 2023 AIAA Information Systems Award
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding technical and managerial contributions to complex systems, cyberspace operations, and command and control, to include exemplary outreach efforts within the aerospace community

2021

  • Dr Erik P Blasch
    AFOSR
    Awarded
    Award: 2021 AIAA Information Systems Award
    AIAA Citation: For technical leadership and innovation in information fusion systems for avionics, space situational awareness, and airborne sensing.

2009

  • Dr Chuck Jorgensen
    NASA-Ames
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For over a decade of significant research and innovative contributions in artificial neural networks including robotics, human and machine learning, human simulation modeling, and intelligent controls.

2007

  • Mr. Robert L Acree
    Air Force Reseach Laboratory
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For technical leadership in space radar and sensing of air and space objects that has enhanced information for ground and space tracking

2003

  • Dr John K Lytle
    NASA Glenn Research Center
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership in the development of advanced software that is dramatically improving the engineering productivity in the design of propulsion systems for military and civil applications

1999

  • William Gianopulos
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For establishment and leadership of a VLSI and engineering organization providing four generations of radiation hardened building blocks to commercial, civil and military space computing applications.

1995

  • Prof Nancy G Leveson
    Massachusettes Institute of Technology
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For developing the field of software safety and for promoting responsible software and system engineering practices where life and property are at stake

1993

  • Dr Ravi K Iyer
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For fundamental and pioneering contributions toward the design, evaluation, and validation of dependable aerospace computing systems

1991

  • Dr Vincent L Pisacane
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For fundamental contributions in the usage of computer systems for space programs

1989

  • Mr. Steven Teitelbaum
    R C A Astro Electronics
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For advancing the state of the art in spacecraft computers through the development of a series of low power, highly reliable miniature general purpose computers

1987

  • Mr. Lee B Holcomb
    NASA
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For the development and implementation of a $35 million research program on end-to end data systems technology, results of which are currently being incorporated into NASA's manned and unmanned spaceflight experiments program, and for restructuring ongoing technology programs in satellite communications, sensor systems, and data systems in response to changing budgetary needs

1985

  • Dr Winston W Royce
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For pioneering contributions to the field of software engineering and for the development of practices and techniques for the management of large-scale software systems

1983

  • Lynwood C Dunseith
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding management of the extremely complex on board and ground software and computer systems that are vital to the operation of the Space Shuttle System

1981

  • Col (AF) William A Whitaker
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership, extraordinary initiative and superb professional competence in the definition and implementation of the Department of Defense High Order Language Program, which has resulted in the modern programing language, Ada

1979

  • Algiradas Avizienis
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For original conception and development of "Fault Tolerant Computing" and his leadership in theoretical and practical application of highly reliable aerospace computers.
  • Dr Barry W Boehm
    Computer Science Department/USC
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For innovative approaches and consistent contributions to advancements in the field of software engineering and technology and for his unselfish dedication to his profession which has provided direction to many practioners of the discipline

1977

  • Albert L Hopkins Jr.
    Awarded
    Award: -
    AIAA Citation: For contributions to the design of highly reliable aerospace digital computing systems for the guidance and navigation of spacecraft, missiles and aircraft