ISAKOS Awards

The ISAKOS Awards Program recognizes outstanding researchers whose innovative work advances understanding, education, and collaboration in arthroscopy, knee surgery, and orthopaedic sports medicine. Through these awards and fellowships, ISAKOS honors individual achievement while fostering continued excellence, global knowledge exchange, and meaningful progress in patient care and surgical practice.

To be considered for an abstract-based ISAKOS award, applicants must first submit an abstract to the upcoming ISAKOS Congress - please refer to individual award details, as requirements vary. Presenting authors may submit one application per award, and each abstract may be entered for only one award. Individuals may only receive one award or fellowship per Congress.

Abstract-based award applications are due August 11, 2026.

Freddie Fu Lifetime Achievement Award

Established in honor of renowned orthopaedic surgeon, ISAKOS Past President and inspirational leader Dr. Freddie Fu, the Freddie Fu Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by ISAKOS. The award recognizes an ISAKOS member for their distinguished service to the Society, plus their significant contributions to the fields of arthroscopy, knee surgery and orthopaedic sports medicine.

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Peter Fowler Career Clinical Educator Award

Created in honor of Dr. Peter Fowler, the first president of ISAKOS, and a pioneer in the development of sport medicine in Canada, the Peter Fowler Career Clinical Educator Award recognizes an ISAKOS member who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to educational outcomes and medical education throughout their career. The inaugural award was presented at the 2025 ISAKOS Congress in Munich.

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John J. Joyce Award

In 1981, Dr. John J. Joyce III offered a monetary prize for the best arthroscopy paper read by an orthopaedic surgery resident or fellow during the Scientific Program of the 4th Congress of the International Arthroscopy Association in Rio de Janeiro. Joyce then endowed a prize to be awarded at every IAA Congress thereafter. The award was created with the intention to stimulate and reward younger members who contribute high-quality data and presentations.

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Richard B. Caspari Award

Beginning at the 2003 ISAKOS Congress in Auckland, New Zealand, a monetary prize in honor of Caspari was awarded to the best upper extremity paper read at the scientific program of the Congress.

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Jan I. Gillquist Scientific Research Award

Jan I. Gillquist was a pioneer in the fields of knee surgery and sports medicine, well known for his dedication to the scientific method, most particularly related to the systematic approach to the entire chain of treatment of knee injuries; a correct diagnosis and pre-operative assessment, surgery and post-operative rehabilitation and the treatment of ACL injuries without surgery but with rehabilitation alone. According to Prof. Guillquist, "Everything was possible and nothing impossible to question." His passion was good science, correct science, and he was never afraid of sharp and critical questions; everything should be questioned and systematically studied.

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Gary G. Poehling Award

Former ISAKOS President, Gary G. Poehling, is an innovator, teacher and leader in the field of Arthroscopy--specializing in the elbow, wrist and hand. Beginning at the 2017 ISAKOS Congress in Shanghai, China, a monetary prize in honor of Dr. Poehling is to be awarded to the best Elbow, Wrist and Hand paper read during the scientific program of the ISAKOS Congress.

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Albert Trillat Young Investigator's Award

In 1989, The International Society of the Knee established a Young Investigator's Research Award in memory of Professor Albert Trillat. Past President and founder of the International Society of the Knee, Trillat was a pioneer in knee surgery and sports traumatology. This award provides recognition for a young researcher who has done outstanding clinical laboratory research contributing to the understanding, care or prevention of injuries to the knee.

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Achilles Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Research Award

The Achilles Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Research Award was created in 1995 to recognize the researchers who have performed the most outstanding clinical or laboratory research in the field of sports medicine, such as the care and prevention of injuries.

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Paolo Aglietti Award

ISAKOS is pleased to present the Paolo Aglietti Award for Knee Arthroplasty. This award is offered in recognition of Professor Aglietti's numerous contributions to knee surgery as a prolific researcher, teacher and surgeon. Professor Aglietti served as Chairman of the ISAKOS Knee Committee and was ISAKOS President from 2007-2009.

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Patellofemoral Research Excellence Award

The Patellofemoral Research Excellence Award was conceived in 2005 by the Patellofemoral Foundation and ISAKOS to encourage outstanding research leading to improved understanding, prevention and treatment of patellofemoral pain or instability.

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Early Career Women in Research Excellence Award

This award recognizes an outstanding early career female author whose scholarly contributions exemplify excellence, innovation, and leadership in the field of arthroscopy, knee surgery, and orthopaedic sports medicine. By celebrating the achievements of women in research, the award aims to promote diversity, elevate representation, and inspire future generations of female scholars. The recipient is honored for embodying the excellence that strengthens and enriches the academic community. This award will be presented to the top scoring abstract submitted by a female presenting author 45 years of age or under. There is no required application process. All eligible abstracts will automatically be considered for the award. Registration to the ISAKOS Congress will be waived for the winner.

Submit an Abstract to Apply

Young Professionals Abstract Awards

The ISAKOS Young Professionals Abstract Awards were established to recognize the next generation of orthopaedic leaders. Young professionals play a critical role in advancing research, innovation, and clinical excellence in arthroscopy, knee surgery, and sports medicine. By highlighting outstanding scientific contributions from early-career surgeons, ISAKOS reinforces its commitment to fostering academic growth, encouraging global collaboration, and supporting the future of our specialty. These awards aim to provide meaningful recognition for young professionals who will shape the direction of orthopaedics for years to come. Three awards will be presented to the top scoring abstracts submitted by young professionals under the age of 45 chosen for the categories of paper presentation, Gong Show poster presentation, and ePoster. There is no required application process. All eligible abstracts will automatically be considered for the award. Congress registration will be waived for the winners.

Submit an Abstract to Apply