Background and Objectives 
The Gerd Albers Award (GAA) was established in 1999 in honour 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 June 30th 2024 and July 31st 2025:
- Books and/or Book chapters
- Journal articles
- Published project reports
Ineligible entries include exhibition catalogues and/or unpublished reports. Unpublished journal articles are eligible if the publisher’s acceptance letter is attached to the article submitted.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 have to be accompanied by an extended abstract in English (min. 3 pages).
Jury
The jury is composed of four ISOCARP Scientific Committee members and one ISOCARP Board member. The deliberations and votes of the jury are confidential.
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’: two years of free membership to ISOCARP, official ISOCARP certification of the award and its dissemination through the ISOCARP website, social media and newsletter.
Special Mention: official ISOCARP certification of the award and its dissemination through the ISOCARP website, social media and newsletter.
Registration fee
185 Euros for each entry in the Best Book Award (a candidate can apply with multiple proposals).
65 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
- Submit your online application by clicking on the button below
- Pay the registration fee: 185 Euros for Best Book Award and 65 Euros for Best Paper Award
Remark: The application is not considered eligible if the registration fee has not been paid.
Deadline for submission
August 31, 2025