The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to intellectual freedom and have made significant contributions in promoting and defending the principles of intellectual freedom.
The Downs Award was established in 1969 by the University of Illinois to honor the memory of Robert B. Downs, a champion of intellectual freedom and director of the University’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science from 1943 to 1971. Since its inception, the award has been presented every three years to individuals or organizations whose actions have had a lasting impact on the field of intellectual freedom.
The School of Information Sciences is dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages free and open access to information. As such, the Downs Award serves as a testament to our commitment to promoting and defending the values of intellectual freedom. We believe that the ability to freely access and share information is vital for the growth and progress of our society, and we take great pride in recognizing those who have dedicated their lives to upholding this fundamental right.
The Downs Award is open to nominations from around the world and is not limited to those working within the field of library and information science. We encourage nominations from individuals or groups representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as we believe that diversity of thought is essential in promoting and defending intellectual freedom.
Nominations for the 2024 Downs Award will be accepted until December 31, 2023. The winner will be announced in the spring of 2024, and the award will be presented at a special ceremony at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The recipient will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and a certificate acknowledging their contributions to the field of intellectual freedom.
The Downs Award Selection Committee is comprised of renowned scholars and experts in the field of intellectual freedom. They will evaluate each nomination based on the individual’s or group’s commitment to intellectual freedom, the impact of their contributions, and the significance of their work in promoting and defending the principles of intellectual freedom.
Winners of the Downs Award have included a diverse group of individuals and organizations, including authors, journalists, educators, and activists. Their work has ranged from advocating for the right to access information to challenging censorship and promoting free expression. Each winner has made a profound impact in their respective fields and has inspired others to stand up for intellectual freedom.
We invite you to nominate an individual or organization who has made significant contributions in promoting and defending intellectual freedom. Help us recognize those who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and the freedom to access and share information. Let us come together to celebrate these champions of intellectual freedom and honor their invaluable contributions to our society.
In conclusion, the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is proud to continue the tradition of honoring individuals and groups who have made a lasting impact in the field of intellectual freedom. We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the achievements of the 2024 Downs Award winner. Together, let us continue to promote and defend the principles of intellectual freedom and create a world where access to information is embraced and valued.
