Volker Gerstenberger is recognised in 2020 by his peers for his exceptional contribution to Forum’s work

Picture: Volker Gerstenberger (left) receiving his “Bertrand” Award from Werner Ness (right)

Munich, 21st June 2021 – To celebrate the work of Bertrand du Castel (one of the Founder members of the JCF), who sadly passed away in February 2019, the Java Card Forum (JCF) has worked with his family to initiate an Annual Award in his memory: The “Bertrand”. The JCF was keen to showcase the “Bertrand” as a visible recognition of the continued drive and dedication still shown by its Members, more than 20 years since its inception.

The “Bertrand” has become a much-anticipated activity in the Forum’s calendar and in 2020, only 1 nominee was put forward; Volker Gerstenberger, the former JCF Business Committee Chairman and President who left his role in March of that year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have been unable to present the Award in person before now, so we are delighted that Werner Ness (G+D Mobile Security Business Committee Member of the JCF) could finally hand over the “Bertrand” in Munich today.

Each year the Business and Technical Committee Chairs nominate a maximum of 4 Members who have made a significant contribution to the Forum and voting is then open to each individual JCF participant. Nominees must demonstrate one or more of the following attributes:
• A major contribution to the current Java Card specification
(e.g. use case proposal(s), solution(s) for identified issue(s))
• A significant contribution to future Java Card specifications
(e.g. use case proposal(s), potential new feature(s), solution(s) for identified issue(s))
• A major contribution to the advancement of the usage of Java Card technology, either within traditional or new markets
The Winner is then announced at each Autumn Plenary meeting.

“Volker is a well-deserved winner,” said Jean-Daniel Aussel, current Business Committee Chairman and President of the JCF. “He played a pivotal role in motivating the Forum over the last few years; from the successful finalisation of the Java Card 3.1 specification recommendations to producing key marketing deliverables, so we felt he was the natural candidate to nominate. We are delighted to finally have the opportunity to thank him more formally for all of his hard work and dedication.”

“I’m surprised and delighted to win this Award,” declared Volker Gerstenberger, “and feel honoured that my colleagues nominated and voted for me. It’s wonderful to know that my time spent in the Forum is still appreciated by my peers to this day.”