ISTRAKON 2012
23 - 25 March, Pazin - Croatia

In 2005, Albus established and awarded The Red Dragon of Istrakon award for the first time. Since then, the award has acknowledged and honored individuals or organizations who made exceptional contributions to the convention.

The first Dragon went to Korado Korlević, a renown astronomer from Višnjan, who had been an avid supporter and participant of the convention from the year 2000.  It is interesting to note that Korado has been actively involved in working with children and has especially dealt with the issue of motivating gifted children since the 1980s, consequently becoming one of the founders of the Višnjan Astronomy School. As of late he has been engaged with general science and astronomy education and promotion through popular science lectures. His current research involves astronomy instruments, meteors, micrometeors, optimization of asteroid and comet astrometry; other points of interest include developing creative thinking methods, entomology, painting, stone-masonry.

In 2006 the Red Dragon of Istrakon was awarded to Tajana Štasni from Zagreb, a very talented fashion designer who presented her SF inspired costumes many times at Istrakon. Many consider her highlight the fashion show which took place at Istrakon 2004. Today, Tajana is the proud owner of Draconigena Ltd., an underground style clothing and accessories production company.

In the following year the Dragon was given to Pazin Amateur Radio Club, for their continuous technical support provided to the organization of Istrakon through the years. Every year, their help facilitates seeing the event through. Moreover, by taking responsibility for the technical aspect of Istrakon, they enable the organization team to push their creativity and possibilities to new levels, free of technical concerns.

Pazin Amateur Radio Club is a society with 35 years of working experience. Their leading idea is the technical development of their community, the pursuit of which has earned them numerous awards in amateur radio, as well as in other areas.

In 2008, it was decided at the Albus general meeting,  that there were no candidates who met the Red Dragon of Istrakon criteria.