AIST Young Professionals Rising Star Award 

The deadline for submitting nominations for this award is 31 May of each year.  

►Nomination Form

History and Purpose

Sponsored by the AIST Young Professionals Membership Committee, this award was established in 2025 to recognize an emerging leader who demonstrates exceptional promise and dedication to advancing the iron and steel industry. The award honors individuals in the early stages of their career who are making a significant impact through leadership potential, active engagement in the professional community, as well as technical aptitude. It distinguishes those who inspire their peers and embody the energy and vision of AIST that will help drive the iron and steel industry forward for years to come.

Nomination Process

Nominations shall be made by submitting the AIST Young Professionals Rising Star Award Nomination Form. In tandem, both the nominator and nominee must be AIST members at the time of nomination. The nomination form requires full contact information for both the nominator and nominee, a brief biography of the nominee (a resume or CV may be submitted as an alternative), and a citation describing why the nominee would be the proper recipient. The citation should speak to the essence of the award and explain why this person is the embodiment of the award. Upon selection, AIST's editorial department may modify the text, as the citation will be utilized throughout AIST marketing efforts. The award requires a minimum of three endorsement letters, not to exceed 10. The principal nominator is welcome to write a letter, which counts toward the minimum. At least one of the endorsement letters must be written by a young professional (35 years of age or younger).

Qualifications

Nominees must be 35 years of age or younger by the date nominations close. They must actively engage with and promote young professionals in the iron and steel industry, exemplifying the role of an ambassador in advocating for the education, development, and retention of young professionals to help ensure the iron and steel industry of tomorrow will have a sufficient number of qualified professionals. Nominees must demonstrate authentic leadership qualities that transcend titles or positions, as well as a commitment to excellence in their field of expertise.

Selection Process

The awards subcommittee of the AIST Young Professionals Membership Committee as well as the AIST Young Professionals Membership Committee officers will judge all entries on the above criteria.

The awards subcommittee chair of the AIST Young Professionals Membership Committee will chair the panel of expert judges. While the intention is to honor one winner, the AIST Young Professionals Membership Committee reserves the right to recognize more than one winner, or to abstain from offering an award.

Questions? Contact Hilary Collins