Background and Objectives

The Gerd Albers Award (GAA) is celebrating inspiring publications such as books and essays. It was established in 1999 in honor of Professor Gerd Albers, a co-founder and past president of ISOCARP, who placed a particular emphasis on the task of publishing as a means of elucidating both the current debate and practical achievements in the planning field. This reputable award is given for the high-quality academic publications written by ISOCARP members.

Eligible entries

Pertinent submissions include the following publications by ISOCARP members published in the period between July 1, 2023, and June 31, 2024:

  • Books and/or Book chapters
  • Journal articles
  • Published project reports

Exhibition catalogues and/or unpublished reports are ineligible.

Unpublished journal articles are eligible if the publisher’s acceptance letter is attached to the article submitted.

Evaluation criteria

Content:

  • Thematic introduction
  • Contribution to discussions on the topic
  • Consistence and coherence (conceptual background, methodological approach)
  • Target audience

Design:

  • Clarity
  • Technical requirements
  • Production

Language

All languages are eligible, although the “official languages” of the Society are English, French, German, and Spanish. Non-English entries must have an extended abstract in English (min. 3 pages).

Jury

The jury consists of three members of the ISOCARP Scientific Committee and the A&P Program Director. The deliberations and votes of the jury are confidential.

Prof. Sebnem Hoskara
Dr. Ulrich Graute
Dr. Dorota Kamrowska-Załuska
Prof. Ali A. Alraouf (A&P Program Director)

Substance of the Award

The Award is bestowed in three categories: GAA ‘Best Book’, GAA ‘Best Article’ and Special Mention. The Award winners are announced during the official ceremony at the ISOCARP annual World Planning Congress.

GAA ‘Best Book’ and GAA ‘Best Article’ get two years of free membership to ISOCARP, official ISOCARP award certification and its dissemination through the ISOCARP website, social media and newsletter.

Special Mention gets an official ISOCARP award certification and its dissemination through the ISOCARP website, social media and newsletter.

Who is eligible? 

  • Scholars
  • Writers
  • Book Authors
  • Researchers
  • Urban and City Critics
  • Professors and Academics

Prize

  • Recognition at the ISOCARP 60th Congress in Siena at the Awards Special Session.
  • Certificate.
  • ISOCARP Medal.
  • Waiving form the registration for a single representative of the winners.
  • One year Membership at ISOCARP for a single representative of the winners.

Registration fee

150 Euros for each entry in the Best Book Award (a candidate can apply with multiple proposals).

50 Euros for each entry in the Best Paper Award (a candidate can apply with multiple proposals).

Submission material

⦁ Contribution (book/chapter/article) in pdf format

Application procedure

  1. Submit your online application
  2. Pay the registration fee: 150 Euros for Best Book Award and 50 Euros for Best Paper Award
  3. Please, send your application to Ali Alraouf, ISOCARP Board member (alialraouf@isocarp.org) and ISOCARP HQ (awards@isocarp.org). Kindly specify the email subject: GAA 2024 Candidature.

Deadline for submission

August 15, 2024