The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is honored to announce that the Federal Circuit Center for Innovation & Law received the Conner Inn Excellence Award on January 21, 2026, at the Hon. William C. Conner Inn of Court’s 18th Annual Reception and Dinner, held in New York City, New York.
The award recognized the Innovation Center “for excellence in civic education and community engagement that highlights the importance of law and innovation in American society.” Chief Judge Kimberly A. Moore, Circuit Librarian Jessica Perovich, and Director of Civic Education Jake Eckelberry accepted the award on behalf of the Center and the court. The award was presented by the Honorable Roslynn R. Mauskopf (Ret.), U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Also in attendance representing the Federal Circuit were Circuit Judges Sharon Prost, Jimmie V. Reyna, and Raymond T. Chen, along with Circuit Executive Jarrett B. Perlow.
Since welcoming its first student visitors in October 2025, the Innovation Center has served more than 350 students through its immersive educational programming. The Center offers middle and high school students hands-on experiences that connect law, science, technology, and history. Each visit includes mock trials, exploration of the historic National Courts Building, interactive exhibits, and personal conversations with federal judges.
The Innovation Center represents the nation’s first educational facility to combine active federal judiciary operations with immersive STEM and social studies learning experiences for students. Located in the historic National Courts Building on Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., the Center brings together the Federal Circuit’s commitment to fostering innovation with its dedication to civic education.
To learn more about the Innovation Center or to schedule a school visit, please visit https://www.innovationcenter.cafc.uscourts.gov/.