The Arthur C. Clarke Foundation presented the 2023 Arthur C. Clarke Awards at their Unleash Imagination event on November 8. (Note: This is a different honor than the literary Arthur C. Clarke Award.)
INNOVATOR AWARD
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Represented by its President and COO, Michael Ulica.
for valuing curiosity and supporting exploration that inspires humanity
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. Learn more about National Geographic Society.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
ROMAIN BAUSCH
Former CEO of SES Satellites who currently is Chairman of the National Council of Public Finance of Luxembourg.
for leadership and commitment to extending the benefits of satellite communications around the world
Romain Bausch is the renowned space executive who oversaw the rise of SES to the world’s largest satellite operator. Based in Luxembourg, SES successfully established a leading position in the European satellite services market in the 1990s, subsequently extending its footprint across the world by consolidating a number of industry-leading companies such as GE Americom, New Skies Satellites, Nordic Satellite AB, and others. He also steered the investment in, and acquisition of, O3B Networks and its unique capabilities to deliver true ‘Telco’ services to the most remote and disconnected populations.
Romain was Chairman of Luxembourg’s National Council of Public Finance (2019 to 2022) and will continue in this role 2023- 2026. He is also a Member of both the Board of Directors of the Luxembourg Future Fund and the Board of Directors of Bank Raiffeisen. Learn more about Romain Bausch
IMAGINATION IN SERVICE TO SOCIETY AWARD
NNEDI OKORAFOR
Award-winning New York Times Bestselling writer of science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults.
for unforgettable speculative fiction and Africanfuturism for youth and adults
Nnedi Okorafor is an international award-winning New York Times Bestselling novelist of science fiction and fantasy for children, young adults and adults. Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents, Nnedi is known for drawing from African cultures to create captivating stories with unforgettable characters and evocative settings. Nnedi has received the World Fantasy, Nebula, Eisner and Lodestar Awards and multiple Hugo Awards, amongst others, for her books. Champions of her work include Neil Gaiman, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, George RR Martin, and Rick Riordan. Literary ancestors Diana Wynne Jones, Ursula K. Le Guin and Nawal El Saadawi also loved her work. Nnedi holds a PhD in Literature, two Master’s Degrees (Journalism and Literature) and lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her daughter Anyaugo. Learn more about Nnedi Okorafor
