Awards and grants

IIC offers many awards, some in association with others, as an important part of its work in conservation. These range from honorary fellowship of the Institute, to sponsored lectures and bursaries for students and members from developing countries.

Honorary Fellows of IIC

The honour of IIC Honorary Fellowship was established to recognise an outstanding contribution to heritage conservation. The first Honorary Fellowship was awarded to Edward Forbes in 1958.

The Keck Awards

In 1994, the IIC Council announced the establishment of the IIC Keck Award, generously endowed by Sheldon and Caroline Keck to commemorate their shared lives of distinguished achievement in conservation. The cash award is presented every two years at the IIC Congress to -- in Caroline Keck's words -- the individual or group who has in the opinion of the Council contributed most towards promoting public understanding and appreciation of the accomplishments of the conservation profession.

Forbes Prize Lecture

The Forbes Prize Lecture has been delivered at every IIC Congress since the Rome Congress in 1961. It is delivered by a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of conservation; the first Forbes Prize lecture was given by Harold Plenderleith.

Image Permanence Award

The HP Image Permanence Award, sponsored by the Hewlett-Packard Company and given with participation of IIC, recognises outstanding contributions that advance the longevity of photographic and fine art images created via modern digital methods.

The Gabo Trust-IIC Travelling Scholarship

The Gabo Trust-IIC Travelling Scholarship is a bursary to allow individuals to take a study-focused tour around the world, with the aim of carrying out research on the conservation of sculpture and meeting and seeing the work of other conservators, and learning about their perhaps differing approaches, ethics, materials and methods.

Brommelle Memorial Fund

The Brommelle Memorial Fund was established in 1990 in memory of Norman Brommelle, who was Secretary-General of IIC between 1958 and 1988. The fund is used to provide assistance for students of conservation who are IIC members and wish to attend the Institute's international Congresses.

Opportunities Fund

IIC supports conservators and institutions who cannot afford the cost of membership through its Opportunities Fund. The fund is maintained through the generous contributions of our members, and allows successful applicants to receive membership of IIC for a limited time without charge.

The Advocate Award

IIC’s Advocate Award is given in recognition of those who use their influence, resources and talents to support the efforts of heritage preservation.

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