Awards may be made for entries in four categories for work completed during 2009–10 as follows:

• Academic research project or training aid/course

• Trenchless project completed

• New machine, tool, material, system or technique introduced

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• Student or young professional paper – members regularly enrolled in college or university, or spending at least half their time on academic course work.

The aim of the ISTT is to promote the science and practice of Trenchless Technology, and the Awards are intended to raise the profile and status of the Society and its award winners.

The judges will be asked to consider:

* Does the entry make a contribution to the advancement of Trenchless Technology worldwide? * Does the entry contribute to protecting the environment and/or to reducing social costs? * Are the above benefits clear from the entry? * Is the entry commercially and economically practicable? * Is the entry innovative, ingenious, elegant or novel? * 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?

The entry can relate to the practical use or development of trenchless systems, or to equipment for the installation or rehabilitation of underground utility networks. As examples they may be concerned with achievements in terms of:

• Improved economy and competitiveness of trenchless installation

• Length of 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 the 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 that surround working on utilities underground.

Entries are required to be submitted in English and should be prepared with the above criteria in mind to a maximum of 1,000 words in one of the standard electronic formats (for example MS Word, WordPerfect) supported by suitable illustrations. The illustrations should be in JPG format so that they can be circulated quickly to the judges. Further details are available from the ISTT.