Do you know of someone who has made the Internet better in some way who deserves more recognition? Maybe someone who has helped extend Internet access to a large region? Or wrote widely-used programs that make the Internet more secure? Or served in some capacity behind the scenes in Internet services? Or maybe someone who has been actively working for open standards and open processes for the Internet?

Each year the Internet Society awards the Jonathan B. Postel Service Award to an individual or an organization that, like Jon Postel, has made outstanding and sustained contributions in service to the Internet community.

Some of the recent winners include (see the full list):

• 2020 - Onno W. Purbo
• 2019 - Alain Aina
• 2018 - Steven G. Huter
• 2017 - Kimberly C. Claffy
• 2016 - Kanchana Kanchanasut
• 2015 - Rob Blokzijl
• 2014 - Mahabir Pun
• 2013 - Elizabeth “Jake” Feinler
• 2012 - Pierre Ouedraogo
• 2011 - Professor Kilnam Chon
• 2010 - Dr. Jianping Wu
• 2009 - CSNET
• 2008 - La Fundación Escuela Latinoamericana de Redes (EsLaRed)
• 2007 - Dr Nii Quaynor

The deadline for nominations for the 2021 Postel Service Award is this coming Friday, July 2, 2021. The award is both a presentation crystal and a $20,000 USD prize.

To complete the nomination form, you need the following:

• The nominee’s contact information
• The nominee’s resume/curriculum vitae
• A statement of recommendation – A brief statement that includes specific acts, works, contributions, and other criteria that show how the candidate exemplifies the standard set by Jon Postel. It should be clear from this statement that the candidate has performed in this manner consistently and over a long period of time, not simply that the candidate has done several significant things in the area of data communications and the Internet.
• Two references – Names, email addresses and phone numbers for at least two people who will support your recommendation.

The Postel Service Award provides a great opportunity to recognize people who have made the Internet better is some way. Please consider nominating someone you know before Friday’s deadline!