Durand Lecture for Public Service Open for Nominations 10 February 2025 – 1 June 2025

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The Durand Lecture, named in honor of William F. Durand, was approved by the Board of Directors in 1983. It is presented for notable achievements by a scientific or technical leader whose contributions have led directly to the understanding and application of the science and technology of aeronautics and astronautics for the betterment of humankind. 

This annual Lecture is generally presented at the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (AIAA SciTech Forum).

Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 10 February
Nomination Deadline: 1 June
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 July

Award Recipients

2023

  • Dr Wesley L Harris
    MIT
    Awarded
    Award: 2023 AIAA Durand Lecture for Public Service
    AIAA Citation: Lecture: “A Half Century of Research in Fluid Dynamics”

2022

  • William H Gerstenmaier
    Space Exploration Technologies Corporation
    Awarded
    Award: 2022 AIAA Durand Lecture for Public Service
    AIAA Citation: Lecture: Human Spaceflight - ‘The Ultimate Team Sport'

2021

  • David W Thompson
    Awarded
    Award: 2021 Durand Lecture for Public Service
    AIAA Citation: Lecture Title: “The History and Prospects of Commercial Space Activity.”

2020

  • Dr Robert D Braun
    Awarded
    Award: 2020 Durand Lectureship For Public Service
    AIAA Citation: Lecture: Space technology: An investment in our future

2019

  • Mr Douglas L Loverro
    Awarded
    Award: TBD
    AIAA Citation: TDB

2018

  • Dr C. D. Mote Jr
    National Academy of Engineering
    Awarded
    Award: “The Grand Challenges for Engineering and the Scholars Program”
    AIAA Citation: “The Grand Challenges for Engineering and the Scholars Program”

2017

  • Dr France A Cordova
    National Science Foundation
    Awarded

2016

  • Dr Ronald M Sega
    Colorado State University (COMP)
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: “Thoughts on Complex Systems Solutions in the 21st Century"

2015

  • HON Michael Wynne
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: “Making an Impact in Public Service”

2014

  • Dr Scott Pace
    Space Policy Institute
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: “American Space Strategy: Choose to Steer, Not Drift”

2013

  • GEN John R Dailey
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: A Useable Past: Rediscovering Forgotten Approaches to Meet 21st Century Challenges

2004

  • Mr Robert T Bigelow
    Bigelow Aerospace LLC
    Awarded

1998

  • Mr. Norman R Augustine
    Awarded

1996

  • Dr Sheila E Widnall
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: “Engineering and Public Policy”

1994

  • Dr A Richard Seebass
    University of Colorado
    Awarded

1992

  • Dr Eugene E Covert
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: "Research and Engineering at the Turn of the Century-Meeting the Challenge" AIAA 1992-2830

1990

  • Mr. Konrad K Dannenberg
    Awarded

1988

  • Dr Donald P Hearth
    University of Colorado Boulder
    Awarded

1986

  • Mr. Robert C Seamans Jr.
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: "Mobilization of Energy and Space Technology" AIAA 1986-830

1984

  • Dr Simon Ramo
    Awarded