Upcoming Awards Event

2023 Arthur C Clarke Awards and Clarke Conversation on Imagination

CLARKE CONVERSATION ON IMAGINATION MODERATOR

Bill Scanlan

We are both honored and excited to welcome veteran Broadcaster, Bill Scanlan as the moderator leading our Arthur C. Clarke Awardee panel through the thought-provoking Clarke Conversation on Imagination.

With 45 years experience, Bill has been a host of C-SPAN’s signature morning program – Washington Journal, since 2008. He has hosted numerous programs, events and was a contributing announcer for C-SPAN’s Peabody Award-winning American Presidents series.

A native of Washington, D.C., Bill grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland and attended Temple University in Philadelphia.

THE SIR ARTHUR CLARKE INNOVATOR AWARDEE

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

for its tireless commitment to investing in the scientists and explorers who work daily to discover the unknown, and educate us on our home planet

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.

Accepting on behalf of the National Geographic Society

CEO Jill Tiefenthaler

As chief executive officer at the National Geographic Society, Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler oversees the development and implementation of the Society’s mission-driven work and programmatic agenda. She leads our global community of Explorers: scientists, innovators, educators, and storytellers—in our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Jill sits on the Society’s Board of Trustees and the board of National Geographic Partners. Learn more about Jill Tiefenthaler

THE SIR ARTHUR CLARKE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE

ROMAIN BAUSCH

for his exceptional leadership, driving the expanded provision of global communications serving the world’s population in the most remote communities

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

THE SIR ARTHUR CLARKE IMAGINATION IN SERVICE TO SOCIETY AWARDEE

NNEDI OKORAFOR

for her science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism writings which dare to challenge the imaginations of children 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