The J.H. "Jud" Hall Composites Manufacturing Award honors the late Judge H. Hall (1931-85) for his dedication to making the former Composites Manufacturing Association of SME (CMA/SME) an established group within the composites manufacturing industry, and for his contributions to the development of composites technology. Hall was issued U.S. Patent 3962394 — "Method for molding fiber reinforced composite tube" in June 1976. Previously, he was a member of the technical staff, TRW Inc., Redondo Beach, California, and chair of the former CMA/SME.

This internationally eligible award is presented annually to an individual who has contributed to the composites manufacturing or tooling technology through leadership, technical developments, patents or educational activities. It recognizes excellence in the development or improvement of processes, tooling and applications, as well as achievements in composites research, education and technology transfer. The J.H. "Jud" Hall Composites Manufacturing Award celebrates innovation in solving issues related to production and applications development, and acknowledges significant contributions that reduce costs and waste streams, and improves quality and efficiency.

Application Process & Rules

• Individuals nominating an individual for this award will complete and submit their nominations online during the nomination period. All forms must be submitted electronically. 
• The winning individual must:

• Be present at the ceremony to accept the award during SME's annual AeroDef Manufacturing event.
• Consent to full media release to SME, which will allow SME to announce recipient along with notable references regarding the criteria that resulted in their selection as the winner.  

Questions? Contact awards@sme.org or check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.

2025 Award Winner

Anoush Poursartip, PhD, PEng, FCAE

Dr. Anoush Poursartip has been a global leader in composites processing science, driving innovations in simulation tools for aerospace manufacturing, including for DoD, NASA, and major OEMs. His pioneering work, beginning with the Boeing 777, extending to Boeing’s 787, 777-X, and other commercial and defense programs earned him four Boeing achievement awards. A professor at UBC, his contributions to research, education, and industry collaboration through the Composites Research Network and Composites Knowledge Network have transformed the field of composites processing science and engineering. As co-founder and Director of Research at Convergent Manufacturing Technologies, he has advanced simulation technologies that reduce risk, cost, and time in composites manufacturing by commercializing software such as COMPRO and RAVEN, creating industry standards and broadening industry access to cutting-edge process simulation.