Rob Blokzijl Award: 6-Step Nomination Guide For 2025 With Tips

The Rob Blokzijl Award stands as a beacon in the Internet community, celebrating those who have dedicated their careers to fostering connectivity and innovation across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Established in memory of Dr. Robert Blokzijl, a visionary leader in Internet infrastructure, this honor recognizes individuals whose technical expertise and operational dedication have propelled the digital landscape forward. As nominations open for the latest cycle, now is the time for peers, colleagues, and admirers to spotlight unsung heroes shaping our connected world.

Legacy of a True Internet Pioneer

Dr. Rob Blokzijl was more than an engineer; he was the architect of collaborative Internet governance. As a founding member and long-time chair of RIPE NCC—the Regional Internet Registry for Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia—Blokzijl championed open standards and multi-stakeholder cooperation. His efforts in the 1980s and 1990s helped transition Europe from fragmented academic networks to a robust, global Internet backbone.

Blokzijl’s influence extended beyond technical realms. He advocated for IPv6 adoption, DNS stability, and equitable resource allocation, ensuring developing regions could participate fully. Tragically passing in 2015, his foundation perpetuates his vision through this award, first presented in 2016. Past recipients include luminaries like Randy Bush in 2023, lauded for bootstrapping networks in Africa and Latin America.¹

This award isn’t just recognition; it’s a catalyst for continued innovation. By highlighting sustained contributions, it inspires the next generation to tackle challenges like spectrum scarcity, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.

Who Deserves Recognition?

The award targets individuals with substantial, long-term impacts in the RIPE NCC service region. Eligible candidates include:

• Network engineers who deployed critical infrastructure in underserved areas.
• Policy advocates pushing for neutral routing and peering policies.
• Educators training thousands in BGP, DNSSEC, and IPv6.
• Operators stabilizing IXPs (Internet Exchange Points) during crises.
• Researchers advancing measurement tools for traffic analysis.

Contributions must demonstrate endurance—years of service, not fleeting projects. Self-nominations are welcome, emphasizing personal narratives of perseverance. The foundation prioritizes those enabling others, mirroring Blokzijl’s mentorship style.

Step-by-Step Nomination Guide

Submitting a nomination is straightforward, designed to be accessible yet thorough. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Gather Details: Collect the nominee’s full name, contact info, and your own (if proposing).
2. Confirm Awareness: State if the nominee knows about the nomination—transparency builds trust.
3. Detail Achievements: Provide a comprehensive statement (1-2 pages ideal) explaining impacts, backed by evidence like project reports or testimonials. Describe your relationship to the nominee for context.
4. Craft Summary: Write a concise 79-word blurb for the award plaque, capturing essence succinctly.
5. Attach Supporting Docs: Include CV, publications, or metrics (e.g., networks deployed, users served).
6. Submit in English: Email everything to nominations@rob-blokzijl-foundation.org before the deadline.

Deadlines vary yearly; for 2023, it was October 29 UTC.² Check the foundation site for current dates. The process respects privacy per their policy.

The Selection Journey

An independent Award Committee—up to seven experts appointed by the foundation board—reviews submissions. They may request clarifications but deliberate confidentially. Conflicts are avoided; committee members and board can’t nominate.

Criteria emphasize:

• Technical Depth: Innovations in routing, addressing, or security.
• Operational Scale: Real-world deployments benefiting thousands.
• Regional Focus: RIPE NCC area priority, global spillover welcome.
• Sustainability: Multi-year commitment.

The winner is announced at RIPE meetings, like RIPE 87 in 2023, with a plaque and speech slot. This visibility amplifies the recipient’s work.

Impact on Internet Evolution

Awards like this sustain momentum. Randy Bush’s 2023 honor spotlighted his role in African IXPs, inspiring similar efforts.³ The foundation’s model—community-driven, transparent—aligns with RIPE’s ethos, per official docs.⁴

In a fragmenting digital world, such recognitions counter silos, promoting shared protocols. They’ve boosted participation from Eastern Europe and Middle East, where connectivity lags.

Sample Nomination Highlights

Strong nominations weave stories with data. Imagine nominating an IXP founder: “Over 15 years, [Nominee] grew Dubai IX from 10 to 500+ peers, slashing latency by 40% and saving carriers millions.” Pair with graphs showing traffic growth.

Foundation examples stress clarity over formality—focus on transformative effects.⁵

Why Nominate Today?

Every submission enriches the committee’s view, even if not winning. It documents history, motivates nominees, and networks the community. With Internet challenges like AI-driven traffic surges, we need more Blokzijls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rob Blokzijl Award?

It honors sustained technical/operational contributions to Internet development in the RIPE NCC region.

Who can nominate?

Anyone, including self-nominations. No restrictions beyond committee/board exclusion.

When is the deadline?

Check rob-blokzijl-foundation.org; historically late October.

What makes a winning nomination?

Detailed evidence of long-term, impactful work enabling others.

Where is the award presented?

At RIPE meetings, e.g., RIPE 87 in Rome for 2023.

Is there a prize beyond recognition?

A custom plaque; prestige is the true reward.

Nominate now—shape the Internet’s future by honoring its builders. Visit the foundation site for forms and updates.