The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the prestigious Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award. This award, which is given every three years, recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions in the defense of intellectual freedom and the promotion of access to information.
Established in 1969, the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award is named after the former dean of the School of Information Sciences, Robert B. Downs, who was a staunch advocate for intellectual freedom. The award honors his legacy by recognizing the outstanding efforts of those who share his passion for protecting the freedom to access information and ideas.
The Downs Award is open to individuals, organizations, or institutions from any country who have demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication in the face of adversity. This includes, but is not limited to, those who have fought against censorship, challenged restrictive policies, or championed the rights of marginalized communities to access information.
Previous recipients of the Downs Award have come from a diverse range of backgrounds and have made a significant impact in their respective fields. They have included librarians, journalists, educators, activists, and even government officials. Each winner has shown an unwavering commitment to the principles of intellectual freedom and has inspired others to do the same.
The Downs Award is not only a recognition of the individual or group’s achievements, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual freedom in our society. In today’s world, where information is constantly under threat from various forces, it is crucial to honor those who have dedicated their lives to defending this fundamental right.
Nominations for the 2024 Downs Award are now open, and we encourage you to submit your nominations for individuals or groups who you believe have made exceptional contributions in the field of intellectual freedom. The nomination process is simple and can be done online through the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award webpage.
The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2023. After the nominations have been received, a panel of experts will carefully review each submission and select the winner. The recipient of the Downs Award will be announced in the spring of 2024 and will be invited to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to receive the award and give a lecture on their work.
The Downs Award not only recognizes the outstanding work of individuals and groups but also provides a platform for them to share their experiences and inspire others. The lecture given by the recipient serves as a valuable learning opportunity for students, faculty, and the wider community to understand the challenges faced in the fight for intellectual freedom.
We at the School of Information Sciences are proud to host the Downs Award and honor those who have dedicated their lives to promoting intellectual freedom. We believe that the free exchange of information and ideas is essential for the progress of society, and we are committed to supporting those who share this belief.
We urge you to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the efforts of those who have fought for intellectual freedom. We look forward to receiving your nominations and joining us in honoring the recipients of the 2024 Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award. Thank you.
