Learn more about the scholarships and grants supported by the AWS Foundation, as well as how to apply.
American Welding Society Awards
The Power of Celebration
The Power of Celebration
Every year, the American Welding Society honors members who have made significant contributions to the world of welding. Without them, the science, technology, and application of welding and allied processes wouldn’t be where it is today. These leaders allow us to forge a path — together.
Paving the Way
41 Number of AWS Awards NATIONAL AWARD CATEGORIES
827 Number of Awards Since AWS Inception
Award Categories
Honorary/Meritorious Awards
These awards recognize global welding leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the advancement and promotion of the welding profession.
Education/Meritorious Service Awards
These awards honor exemplary educators, professionals, and contributors who have advanced welding knowledge and public awareness, or made significant contributions to the industry.
Welding Journal Awards
Welding Journal Awards celebrate top research & innovations in welding. Presented annually, they highlight pivotal contributions in the welding industry.
Lecture Awards
The AWS Lecture Awards spotlight leaders in welding, including the Comfort A. Adams Lecture for distinctive welding developments and the Plummer Memorial for contributions to welding education.
Counselor and Fellow
The AWS Counselor and Fellow Awards celebrate members for distinguished organizational leadership and notable contributions to welding science and technology.
AWS CWI Lifetime Achievement Award
Established in 2018, the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Lifetime Achievement Award honors members for their enduring contributions and advancements in welding inspection.
Outstanding Achievement Awards
The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.
Excellence in Welding Awards
WEMCO created the annual Excellence in Welding Awards to recognize individuals and organizations that are instrumental in raising the image of welding and strengthening the industry, and have shown exemplary dedication to promoting the image of welding in their communities.
AWS Distinguished Member Award
The AWS Distinguished Member Award was created to recognize outstanding service and commitment of AWS Members to the Society and the welding industry.
Selection Process
Award recipients are selected in different ways depending on the category: some through the AWS award subcommittees and some through standing committees specially designated by subject recognition.
Note: Due to the selection and administration of the awards, some are restricted from public nominations.
Previous Award Winners
Previous Award Winners
This booklet celebrates the distinguished awardees from last year, showcasing their achievements and contributions to the welding industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I nominate someone for an award?
Each award has its own nomination process. For details, see the links above or download the full:
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When are award winners announced?
Award winners are selected and approved in the spring each year. They are contacted directly once they have been approved by the AWS Board or District Council. -
When do selected winners receive their award?Award winners receive their award at the FABTECH show during the AWS National Award Ceremony for the year they were selected.
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What are the different awards and deadlines?
See below downloadable PDFs of all our available awards separated by the categories: