1. General timeline 2023 

The application process for the QSA is simple, non-bureaucratic and effective. The applied procedures create as little extra work as possible for the applicants. If you have suggestions on how to further improve this process, please do not hesitate to put them forward.

2.   Eligible projects

 The purpose of the QSA is to recognize projects and project teams that make a measurable contribution to sustainability through the use of quality methods.

Project criteria: 

• Proven results on at least one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Proven use of quality management methods leading to the results.
• Not older than 3 years, so finished after 01-01-2020.
• Project can be part of an overall organisational effort but the application must show results and approach of the individual project.
• The project must have been performed as a team effort and it should be clear who the team leader and team members are.

 3.    Application package

 The application package consists of the following:

4.    Application method

 For this Award, IAQ works with local partners. For a list of partners and the areas they cover: see list of partners.

 If you are located within a partner country or region, please contact them and they will inform you how to apply. Note that for the local contest the application form and the optional technical report can be in the local language but the one page summary must always be in English. If you are selected for the global contest in addition to the one page summary, the application form must be in English.  Document format is pdf.

 If you are not located in a partner region, you can apply directly to IAQ. Application documents can be requested by mailing to iaqaward@sandholm.com . You will then receive the necessary documents. When they are filled in, please send them to iaqaward@sandholm.com . In this case all documents must be in English and in pdf format.

5.   Fees, registration and feedback

 Where IAQ works with partners, the partner will define the fee for applying for the local-level award. Applications directly to IAQ will be charged an administrative fee of 50 US $.  Once payment has been made, your application will be registered, and you will receive a notification of acceptance of the application.  

6.   What happens next?

 After acceptance of your application, the evaluation and examination process starts. This is explained in the award roadmap (see futher down on this page)

 If your project is considered eligible for the Global QSA award, you can decide to participate in the global final. This will require the following:

• A 10 minute video presenting your project with the acceptance to have this video posted on the IAQ YouTube page after the final event.
• A high-resolution picture of the project team. Team pictures can be published in IAQ communications. You agree that all material gathered at the final session can be used by IAQ for communication, teaching and promotion.
• By confirming the project's participation in the final global event, You agree that the IAQ can use all the materials gathered before and at the event (video recordings, Images, etc.) on the Academy's website and affiliated social media for educational, knowledge-sharing and promotional purposes.
• An additional fee of 400 US $ will be invoiced by IAQ after you agree to participate in the global competition.