The Institute is to provide a sponsored prize within the President's Medals co-ordinated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The efforts of IOM3 technical divisions, along with support from the British Plastics Federation (BPF), have allowed the Institute to make rapid progress in creating a new materials award for architectural students.

The prestigious annual Medals are for project work developed during the early and latter stages of a degree course. The submissions are critically evaluated by an independent high level panel, who select a bronze and silver medal winner, as well as work which is highly commended.

Nine student winners and 18 tutors were advised of their success at the first RIBA awards presentation in London on 2 December 2009. The Institute award is shared by the student winners and their respective tutors. In developing the prize, IOM3 encouraged technical communities and businesses to provide additional contributions to a materials resource held on the Institute's website. The student winners and tutors receive IOM3 e-membership for a year, and have access to this virtual resource as well as the Materials Resource Centre in London during this time.

To assist in a broader understanding of materials processing, Corus, Pilkington and the BPF will arrange visits to manufacturing sites for the students and tutors. They, along with sponsors and contributors, will be invited to the Institute's headquarters in London for a social event in June.

Further information

The Royal Institute of British Architects's President's Medals

Student awards from IOM3