Georgia Tech PhD students Louis Faugere and Nayeon Kim recently received the prestigious Physical Internet Generation Award for their engagement in the Physical Internet Initiative and their doctoral research, respectively around Hyperconnected Urban Access Hubs and Smart Locker Network Design and Planning, and Hyperconnected Large-Product Demand Fulfillment and Delivery. The pair are the first recipients from Georgia Tech (and the United States) to be chosen, and the only recipients of the award this year.

Upon receiving the award ceremony in London, Faugere commented, "I was honored to receive the award and recognition for the research and advancements that my team and I at Georgia Tech made on hyperconnected city logistics from the Physical Internet community." Kim added, "It is very special to be recognized by great peers in the Physical Internet community." Faugere and Kim are members of Georgia Tech's Physical Internet Center and advised by world-renowned scientist Benoit Montreuil, Coca-Cola Material Handling & Distribution Chair and Professor. 

The award was presented during the recent International Physical Internet Conference, an annual dialogue in its sixth year that brings together researchers, industry representatives, government officials and citizens to explore leading edge concepts, methodologies, recent projects, technological advancements, and start-up initiatives.

IPIC 2019 also hosted a one-day Doctoral Colloquium that served as a platform to provide PhD students with in-depth feedback relating to their research from fellow PhD students and leading academics in the field of Physical Internet. Colloquium activities included a Freight Transportation Game where Georgia Tech PhD student teams won two top spots.