Excellence in Amateur Radio Award

Purpose

The Excellence in Amateur Radio Award aims to:

• Recognize individuals whose achievements have made lasting impacts on amateur radio.
• Inspire innovation and foster a passion for the hobby within the amateur radio community.
• Acknowledge those who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of amateur radio technology and communication.
• Encourage mentorship, knowledge sharing, and community building among both newcomers and seasoned operators.

We achieve this by

• Celebrating excellence: we recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to operational skill, technical innovation, or outreach within the amateur radio community.
• Encouraging innovation: highlighting advancements in technology, equipment, operational methodologies, or user experience that propel amateur radio forward.
• Honoring ambassadorship: acknowledging those who have elevated amateur radio’s public profile, educated the public, and inspired new enthusiasts to join the hobby.

Eligibility

Nominees for the award must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Excellence in operational ability

• Demonstrates superior skill in operating radio equipment and performing advanced communication techniques.
• Contributes significantly to the operational success of local, regional, or international amateur radio networks or events (e.g., Field Day, emergency communications, public service events).
• A record of consistent, courteous and effective operating that sets an example for others.

2. Technological advancements in amateur radio

• Develops or significantly contributes to the creation or improvement of technologies, equipment, or software that enhances the amateur radio experience.
• Leads innovation in areas such as signal processing, radio equipment design, network infrastructure, or operational software.
• Contributions to open-source projects, experimentation or technical education.
• Work that has raised the technical capability of the amateur radio community as a whole.

3. Outstanding ambassador for amateur radio

• Actively promotes amateur radio to the public through outreach efforts, public speaking, or educational programs.
• Inspires others to join the amateur radio community and builds partnerships with organizations that support the growth of the hobby.
• Represents the values and spirit of amateur radio through exemplary personal conduct and outreach efforts.

Nomination process

• Nominations may be made by any licensed amateur radio operator or by a recognized amateur radio organization such as a club, net or emergency communications group.
• Self-nominations are welcome — if your own work fits, tell us about it.
• NARA membership is not required, for the nominee or the nominator.

1. Nomination dates

• Nominations open September 1.
• Nominations must be submitted no later than December 31.

2. Submission requirements

• Nominations will be accepted from any licensed amateur radio operator or recognized amateur radio organization.
• Nominations must include a detailed narrative outlining the nominee’s achievements in one or more of the following categories:
  • Operational ability: excellence in operating skills and achievements in radio operations.
  • Technological contributions: innovations or technological advancements made within amateur radio.
  • Ambassadorship: outreach efforts that have elevated and expanded the amateur radio community.
• Supporting materials such as articles, project details, letters of recommendation, or media coverage are encouraged. Add links on the form or send them to awards@usnara.org after you submit.

3. Selection and presentation

• After the window closes, NARA’s Board of Review considers every nomination against the criteria and chooses the recipient.
• The award is presented each August at the Huntsville Hamfest. The recipient receives a custom award, a certificate of recognition and a feature on the NARA website.

Nominate someone — or yourself

Nominations for the 2027 award close Dec 31, 2026.

Past recipients

The first recipient will be announced at the Huntsville Hamfest in August 2027.