Established in 2008, this award recognizes outstanding accomplishments and leadership in the area of diesel engines. Two awards are given each year, one for Best Paper and the other, the Diesel Engine Research Medal, given to an individual for outstanding leadership in research and development in the field of diesel engines through a singular accomplishment or lifetime achievement.
The Best Paper award recognizes the authors of an original and outstanding technical paper presented at an SAE meeting on the subject of diesel engines in the on- or off-road industries. Preferably the paper will be published in an SAE Journal and must address research advancements in diesel engines regarding efficiency and low emissions achieved by innovative experimental and modeling research of the engine, fuel and/or after treatment systems. Oral presentation scores must also be above average. If the lead author of the paper is a student, the material forming the subject matter must be based on personal work or a result of their thesis research. The best paper award is selected by the award committee.
The Diesel Engine Research Medal recognizes an outstanding leader whose professional career has focused on advancing the field of diesel engines. The award recognizes technical innovations through experimental studies and modeling research of the engine, fuel and/or after treatment systems. In addition, the nominee's contribution to SAE literature, activities and programs will also be considered. To nominate an individual, complete the nomination form above by the indicated nomination deadline. Any additional letters of support can be sent to awards@sae.org.
This award is funded through generous contributions from Dr. John H. Johnson, his colleagues and former students. Dr. Johnson is a Presidential Professor Emeritus with the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics at Michigan Technological University (MTU) and he is a fellow of SAE International and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He is an expert in the field of diesel engines and his experience spans a wide range of analysis and experimental work related to advanced engine concepts, emissions studies, fuel systems, engine simulation and exhaust aftertreatment. Prior to joining MTU, he was a Project Engineer at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Center and Chief Engineer of Applied Engine Research at International Harvester Company.
The Best Paper award consists of a framed certificate and a $2000 honorarium for the lead author of the technical paper and framed certificates for co-authors. The individual awardee of the Diesel Engine Research Medal receives a framed certificate, a medal and a $2,000 honorarium. The awards are presented at the WCX World Congress Experience or other appropriate SAE meeting.