16/06/2026
ANNOUNCEMENT from the Royal Aeronautical Society Australian Division
We are pleased to introduce the inaugural **David Warren Innovation Award**, which recognises Australian companies whose new products or processes have made a real impact on flight safety, efficiency, or the economics of aviation in Australia and globally.
This award is named in honour of David Warren, the inventor of the world’s first flight recorder, also known as the ‘black box’.
▶️ Calling All hashtag
If you are involved in Australia’s aerospace sector and have developed products or processes that improve flight safety, efficiency, or economic viability, we want to hear from you.
Submissions are NOW OPEN and will close on **August 4th**.
The award will be presented at the hashtag congress this September at the ICC in Sydney, highlighting the importance of aerospace innovation.
▶️ What’s at Stake?
The award winner will receive recognition and a **$5,000 travel grant** to support their work further. This is a great opportunity to showcase your achievements in the industry.
Margaret Staib Air Vice Marshal AM, AM(Mil), CSC, President of the RAeS Australian Division, emphasises, “We’re looking for innovations across all areas, including materials, propulsion, avionics, and scheduling, anything that affects civil and military aerospace.”
The David Warren Innovation Award will be presented at the Gala Dinner at the hashtag congress, taking place from **September 13-18** in Sydney's Darling Harbour, culminating with an event on **17 September**.
▶️ Meet the Judges:
Our judging panel includes:
Professor Cees Bil from RMIT
Dr Gregor Ferguson PhD
Mr Chris Jenkins, former CEO of Thales Australia
We invite you to participate in this opportunity to honour David Warren’s legacy while advancing the field of aviation. For more information on submission guidelines, please visit:
https://www.raes.org.au/resources/australian-division-awards/david-warren-innovation-award/