What is the Jud Hall Award?

The J.H. "Jud" Hall Composites Manufacturing Award honors the late Judge H. Hall (1931-85) for his dedication to making the former Composites Manufacturing Association of SME (CMA/SME) an established group within the composites manufacturing industry, and for his contributions to the development of composites technology. Hall was issued U.S. Patent 3962394, “Method for molding fiber reinforced composite tube" in June 1976. Previously, he was a member of the technical staff, TRW Inc., Redondo Beach, Calif., and chair of the CMA/SME.

The award is presented annually to an individual who has contributed to the composites manufacturing or tooling technology through leadership, technical developments, patents or educational activities. It recognizes excellence in the development or improvement of processes, tooling and applications, as well as achievements in composites research, education and technology transfer. The J.H. "Jud" Hall Composites Manufacturing Award celebrates innovation in solving issues related to production and applications development, and acknowledges significant contributions that reduce costs and waste streams, and improves quality and efficiency.

How is the Jud Hall Award winner chosen?

The SME Composites Manufacturing Tech Group members solicit specific information from each nominee. A distinguished panel of judges – manufacturing engineers, CEO’s, industry consultants, OEM’s and other composites manufacturing professionals evaluate the nominees based on this information. The judging committee will select the final honoree based on these judgments.

Who are the judges?

The Composites Manufacturing Tech Group, which is part of SME's Plastics, Composites & Coatings Community, judges are experts within the composites industry, outstanding engineers, technologists and entrepreneurs working in top universities and companies around the world. The committee of judges will change each year.

Does the award winner have to be from the United States?

No. The nominees can come from innovative startups, academia, small established companies, large upper tier suppliers or OEM’s from around the world. We encourage nominations from organizations of all types.

Who should I list as references?

These should be advisors, supervisors, coworkers, or colleagues at other institutions who are familiar with the nominee’s work and who are able to describe the work and its importance. These people should be willing and able to complete the nomination form (including all categories) in support of the nominee.

What are you looking for in the nominee description?

This should be a brief, capsule summary of the composite manufacturing or tooling contributions for which you believe the nominee deserves recognition, including an explanation of its impact, both within the nominee’s industry and in the wider world in general. The nominee is an individual who has contributed to the composites manufacturing or tooling technology through leadership, technical developments, patents or educational activities.