Dean’s Advisory Council member and defense researcher Michael Huggins was awarded the prestigious NATO Science and Technology Organization’s Von Kármán Medal.
Every year, the NATO Science & Technology Board (STB) recognizes outstanding achievements in the international collaboration on Science & Technology (S&T) within the NATO framework. In order to motivate individuals and teams alike to continue providing exceptional contributions to the benefit of the STO community and the Alliance writ large, the STB presents to types of awards: the Von Kármán Medal and the STO Excellence Awards.
The Von Kármán Medal is awarded to highly accomplished individuals with a life-time dedication to international S&T collaboration in NATO. Through exemplary service, recipients repeatedly delivered significant contributions to STO activities over a long period of time. They combine an internationally recognized career in S&T with leadership and vision to advance the S&T collaboration among the Allied nations. Typically, the STB awards only one Von Kármán Medal per year.
Huggins was selected for his impactful contributions to the development of novel advanced liquid rocket engine cycles as well as developing higher performing and environmentally friendly energetics while further directing technology to dispose of ageing munitions and propellants in a “green” manner.
Huggins has led S&T research at a high level within the US Air Force and is recognized internationally as a senior leader in defense S&T. He made outstanding impacts to the STO mission through three primary contributions: (1) his leadership in establishing and exponentially growing the Research & Development activities and knowledge for space operations, (2) his excellence in the realms of propulsion for aircraft, access to and in space as well as tactical missile operations, (3) his remarkable and continued leadership, culminating in an unprecedented three terms as Chairman of the AVT Panel.
