Who's your human factors hero?
The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors awards recognise the skills, knowledge and experience in the discipline of both teams and individuals, who are either just starting out in their careers or are more well established. They recognise excellence in advancing the discipline in both research and practice.
Got someone in mind? Check the categories below to see which award would best fit their achievements.
Awards for new professionals
Discovering promising talent in our discipline.
Best Student Project
This award is for the best postgraduate student dissertation or thesis in ergonomics and human factors. Is one of your students looking like they're going places? Have they showed exceptional aptitude and advancement in their studies? Is their work top of the class? Give them the boost they need and nominate them for this award.
New Ergonomist
Do you work with a CIEHF member in their early career whose practical talents shine through? Are they looking like a leader? Are they forging ahead with projects and new practice in your organisation? If they're enthusiastic, talented and really stand out, give their career a boost and let them know how much you think of their skills by nominating them for this award.
Award for design
Reducing risk of MSDs.
Risk Reduction
Has your company recognised the need to reduce musculoskeletal risk in some of your work tasks? Have you made design changes that have had an impact? These could include reduction or elimination of tasks that involve manual handling, for example. Enter a nomination and share your experiences of how you've made work better.
Awards for practice
Celebrating advances and growth in human factors.
The President's Award
Has your organisation been involved in a project which has brought human factors into the spotlight, or been instrumental in incorporating human factors in new areas? This award recognises organisations and teams that have made significant contributions to our discipline so think about who you could nominate. Previous winners have worked in rail, defence, air traffic control, healthcare and aviation.
Innovation Award
Have you been involved in the design of a product that's incorporated new ways of interaction, a working environment that enhances productivity, or a process that improves safety? Do you know of an innovation that's pushed the boundaries of what's been done before, or has introduced something new? From healthcare to rail, and from UX to defence, innovation is everywhere. Let's celebrate it!
Lifetime Achievement
Who's made practical changes in the world through human factors? Who's changed people’s lives for the better through their efforts? Maybe they've worked across domains in consultancy, whilst also supporting team members and contributing to the running of our professional body. If you know someone like this, let them know how much you appreciate and recognise their ongoing work by nominating them for this award.
Demonstrated Impact
What project has caught your eye for its effectiveness in making life better? What's made a real difference to how things operate? Do you know of work that could make a great case study to show how human factors can have a positive impact on people, by reducing risk or increasing efficiency or accessibility, for example, nominate those behind it and let's publicise it!
Outstanding Communications
The broad value of our profession, the ways in which our work can help particular groups, or even the recommendations we're making in our reports can be hard to get across to those without knowledge of human factors. But who's made this easier to understand? Who's plain language has hit the mark? Nominate them and let’s shout about it!
Volunteer of the Year
We rely on a small army of volunteer members to help us carry out our activities. They're assessors, reviewers, committee members. They work on applications, publications, events and strategic projects. They all give freely of their time and effort and look for nothing in return other than the knowledge that they've made a great contribution. Let's recognise their amazing efforts!
Awards for research
Strengthening the underpinning science.
Lifetime Achievement
Who is that person whose research you’ve looked up to for years? Whose articles you always read? Whose books you always buy? Many of us have people in our careers who have inspired us and may even have changed the direction of our own work. Show them how much they’re appreciated by nominating them and help your academic hero get this illustrious award!
Ergonomics Best Paper
Papers are chosen by the editors of the journal. Previous winners have shown the breadth of research in the discipline, from socio-technical design of systems to preventing back injury in police officers. Other topics have included integrating human factors into assembly design processes, visibility for cyclists, shift rotation and much more. Look out for this year's winners.
Applied Ergonomics Best Paper
Papers are chosen by the editors of the journal and highlight the breadth and depth of the practical applications of the discipline. Past winners have explored sedentary behaviour at work, designing safer healthcare and creating sustainable production systems among a whole range of topics. This year's winners are sure to show us more novel and innovative applications.
Key dates
Nominations open: 1 December 2024
Nominations close: 9 February 2025
Judging takes place: 12 to 23 February 2025
Awards ceremony takes place: 29 April 2025
Questions you might have
Do I simply fill in a form to nominate someone?
There is a nomination form to fill in and you'll need to gather some information about your nominee to back it up. You'll also need to ask two other people to support the nomination by acting as referees. It will be your responsibility to ensure that the referees are contacted, that they have seen the award description and criteria, and they understand that they must email a supporting statement by the closing date, direct to us. You'll find more details of what you need to supply on the nomination form.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes, you can! If you fulfil the criteria for an award, go ahead. You'll need to find two other people to support your application by acting as referees.
What happens once I've entered a nomination?
Provided we have received the nomination and the referee statements by the closing date, your nomination will go forward for review. The CIEHF's Honours Committee will carry out the review and all parties will be notified as soon as possible after the Committee has reached its decision.
How will I know if my nomination has been successful?
The winners will be announced at our special awards ceremony on 29 April 2025, as part of our Annual Dinner.
How do I make a nomination for an Institute award?
- Follow the link for the award you're interested in above.
- Check the criteria for the award to ensure that your intended nominee and their work fit it all.
- Think of two other professionals who would act as referees in support of the nomination. They must know the nominee(s) and their work and be willing to supply a written statement detailing how they know them and why they think they deserve the award.
- Gather any relevent supporting documentation about the nominee that you think will strengthen the nomination. This might include a detailed CV, a description of their work activities or career achievements.
- Download and complete the relevant nomination form for your award.
- Submit the form online, together with your supporting documents by 9 February.
Award for conference attendance
If you're a Student or Graduate Member of the CIEHF, you could get up to £500 towards your travel expenses to attend and present at a conference at home or internationally! Find out mor