Do you know someone who deserves recognition for launching the Internet in their region or country? Or someone who made some major technical innovation that made the Internet faster or better? Or someone who is a passionate advocate who influenced other people to make the Internet better? Can you think of someone who helped the Internet reach new people? For example, in a new region or language? Do you know someone who made the Internet more inclusive and accessible to more people?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, please consider nominating that person for the Internet Hall of Fame! Nominations for the 2021 class of inductees are open now - the deadline is April 23, 2021.

Of course, you may want to view the list of existing inductees first. Since 2012, the Internet Society has recognized the pioneers, innovators, influencers, and global connectors who have made the Internet this amazing network of networks that is now woven into the fabric of our society.

To get ideas, read about the 2019 inductees. A few of the stories include:

• Adiel Akplogan expanded Internet access across Africa and helped start some of the key institutions guiding the Internet in Africa.
• Kimberly (“kc”) Claffy helped us all measure and understand how the Internet is being used.
• Jose Soriano played a critical in bringing the Internet to Peru, and specifically to underserved and non-Spanish-speaking Peruvians.
• Suguru Yamaguchi led deep research into cybersecurity and helped found multiple organizations across Asia to make the Internet more secure.
• Jean Armour Polly was one of the first U.S. librarians to offer computer and Internet access to the public, transforming public library service and redefining the role of the librarian as a digital educator and Internet advocate.
• Klaas Wierenga invented eduroam, which provides free, secure, international wi-fi roaming service to academic and research communities all around the world.
• Larry Irving produced the first empirical study proving the existence of the “Digital Divide” and remains a tireless champion of expanding Internet access.

These are just a few of the many stories of the people who have helped make the Internet what it is today.

In the midst of this global pandemic, we have all come to see the Internet as critical for our daily lives. It is how we work, how we go to school, how we keep in touch with family and friends, how we buy products, and how we collaborate and communicate.

Please help us recognize the people who made this possible! Nominate someone for the Internet Hall of Fame today!