The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) has announced that Sir Terry Pratchett has been named the recipient of the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award, honoring individuals who have had a significant impact on the science fiction or fantasy landscape.

Press release follows…

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) is pleased to announce that Sir Terry Pratchett (28 April 1948 – 12 March 2015) has been named the recipient of the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award.

Among the positive changes SFWA has made this year is renaming the Solstice Award to the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award. We felt that doing so acknowledged the important role that Ms. Wilhelm has played not just in SFWA’s history, but overall in the field of speculative fiction.

This decision also brings the award’s name more in line with the naming of other SFWA awards, such as the Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation, the Andre Norton Award for Outstanding Young Adult Science Fiction, and the Kevin O’Donnell Jr. Service to SFWA Award.

Created in 2008 and given at the discretion of the SFWA President and Board, the award is for individuals who have had a significant impact on the science fiction or fantasy landscape, and is particularly intended for those who have consistently made a major positive difference within the speculative fiction field, much like its namesake.

Sir Terry joins the ranks of previous honorees, including Octavia E. Butler, James Tiptree, Jr., Tom Doherty, Carl Sagan, and Stanley Schmidt.

In his long career, Sir Terry used humor and satire to entertain and educate, becoming one of the best-selling British authors of the twentieth century. His work has inspired numerous authors and readers. Pratchett has donated his time and money to orangutan conservation efforts and Alzheimer’s research. Pratchett was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his service to Literature in 2009.

SFWA President Cat Rambo wrote, “I deeply regret Sir Terry’s untimely passing, and my inability to give him the award in person. He’s shaped the genre in ways that will resonate for centuries.”

The Nebula Awards will be presented during the annual SFWA Nebula Conference, which will run from May 12-15th and feature seminars and panel discussions on the craft and business of writing, SFWA’s annual business meeting, and receptions. On May 13th, a mass autograph session will take place at the Palmer House and is open to the public.

The Nebula Awards recognize the best works of science fiction and fantasy published in the United States as selected by members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, membership in which is open to professionals in the science fiction and fantasy genres. The first Nebula Awards were presented in 1966.