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 a commitment to promoting and defending intellectual freedom, as well as defending the rights of free expression and access to information.
Named after Robert B. Downs, a former professor and dean of the School of Information Sciences, the award serves as a tribute to his belief that intellectual freedom is crucial for the advancement of society. Downs was an advocate for intellectual freedom and believed in the power of information to bring about positive change.
The Downs Intellectual Freedom Award is presented annually to an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the field of intellectual freedom. It is open to librarians, educators, researchers, journalists, activists, and any other individual or organization whose work has had a significant impact on promoting and defending intellectual freedom.
The award recognizes the efforts of individuals or groups who have shown courage and determination in the face of censorship, government intervention, or any other form of suppression of intellectual freedom. It also aims to raise awareness and inspire others to continue the fight for intellectual freedom.
Nominations for the 2024 Downs Intellectual Freedom Award are now open, and we encourage anyone who knows an individual or group that deserves recognition for their efforts in promoting and defending intellectual freedom to submit their nominations. Nominees can be from any country and can be of any nationality.
The nomination process is simple and can be completed online through the School of Information Sciences website. Nominations must include a detailed description of the nominee’s work, including examples of how they have contributed to promoting intellectual freedom. Nominations must also include contact information for the nominee, as well as any supporting materials such as articles, reports, or videos.
The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2023, and the winner will be announced in early 2024. The recipient of the award will receive a $1,000 prize and an invitation to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to accept the award and deliver a speech.
The Downs Intellectual Freedom Award is not only a recognition of the recipient’s work but also serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual freedom in our society. In a world where information is constantly under threat, it is crucial to celebrate and support those who fight for our right to access and express information freely.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is honored to host this award and continue the legacy of Robert B. Downs. We believe that intellectual freedom is the cornerstone of a democratic society, and we are committed to promoting and defending it through research, education, and outreach.
We urge everyone to take this opportunity to nominate individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the field of intellectual freedom. Let’s celebrate and recognize those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our right to access and express information freely. Together, we can continue to champion intellectual freedom and make a positive impact on society.
