Submissions are now open for the ISTT’s annual No-Dig awards program.
Four topics are eligible for this award: academic research or training aid/course; trenchless project completed; new machine, tool, material, system or technique introduced; student or young professional paper.
The Awards are presented yearly at the ISTT’s annual International No-Dig Conference. Since 1986, ISTT has recognized more than 60 trenchless organisations and individuals through this program. Please see here for the past winners.
Please read below before your submission.
- Entries to the categories “2- Trenchless Project” and “3- New Technology” are limited to ISTT (Affiliated Society) members who have corporate membership. If you are not sure of your membership type, please contact your local society.
- Any award application must be endorsed by the Affiliated Society where the activity took place or to which the applicant belongs (no proof documents required).
- The award-giving ceremony will take place during International No-Dig Vancouver/No-Dig North (27-29 October) but the attendance is optional.
The following items are required to complete a submission:
1. A 200-word summary
2. A complete paper (in a single PDF file – see a sample here)
3. Two images representing your entry
Closing date: 30 July 2025 (17:00 US EDT)
You can modify your submission until the deadline using the link provided in the confirmation email.
Applications must be in English and should be prepared with the below criteria in mind with a maximum of 1000 words supported by suitable illustrations. One or two images representing your entry should also be submitted. Specify the category of the award from below and send it via the entry form.
Note: An example is provided here to assist you in creating an entry (not a template).
This example is for the project category, so please modify it to fit your category.
The four categories below are eligible to receive awards, as shown below. Awards may not be made in all categories in a given year.
- Academic research or training course
- Trenchless projects completed (projects completed within a year or two) are limited to corporate members.
- New technology (tool, material, system or technique introduced)- limited to corporate members.
- Student or young professional paper – Members enrolled in college or university, or spending at least half their time on academic course work.
The aim of ISTT is to promote the science and practice of trenchless technology, and the Awards are to raise the profile and status of the Society and its Award Winners.
All award winners are recognised at the Gala dinner and presented a trophy and certificate, are featured in an article in Trenchless Works, are added to the published list of ISTT award winner role of honour posted on the ISTT website, and are authorised to use the ISTT logo on promotional material related to the award activity or recipients.
In addition, the winner may be afforded an opportunity to make a brief presentation on the activity that received the award at the conference time and schedule permitting.
The student award winner receives a small cash award and limited financial travel assistance to attend the Conference.
The selection criteria for the awards are as follows:
- Does the entry make a contribution to the advancement of trenchless technology world-wide?
- Does the entry contribute to protecting the environment and/or reduce social costs?
- Are the above benefits clear from the entry?
- Is the entry innovative, ingenious, elegant or novel?
- Is the entry commercially and economically practicable?
- Will the award make an impact with the media, decision-makers and the general public?
- Will the award impress ISTT members?
- Has the entry been well explained and presented?
Applicants for the categories of Trenchless Project and New Technology should demonstrate a practical use or development of trenchless systems or equipment for the installation or rehabilitation of underground utility networks.
For example, entries may address achievements in:
- Improved economy and competitiveness of trenchless installations
- Length and speed of drive for installation, replacement or renovation
- Accuracy or size of installation
- Materials used
- Ground conditions successfully dealt with
- Improved acceptability for clients, operators and/or environment
- Underground detection, recording and mapping of obstacles, both natural and man-made
- Health and safety of employees and the general public
- Matters related to training in the field of trenchless work
- Research into any of the topics related to working on underground utilities
Do you have news for the international trenchless industry? Contact Journalist Gerald Lynch at gerald.lynch@primecreative.com.au
