Call for Nominations
Edition 2027
Agri-food
- Nominations open
- 10 November 2026
- Nomination deadline
- 15 March 2027
- Call status
- Not yet open
The theme
Microbiomes for Agriculture
This award acknowledges an outstanding researcher who has made groundbreaking discoveries on microbial communities associated with agricultural soils, plants and livestock, from their molecular mechanisms to their roles in sustainable food production.
The scope includes research into genome/epigenome functions, metabolic pathways, molecular signalling, and interactions among microorganisms and their hosts. Nominations are welcome for both fundamental research and applied advances that explain or improve nutrient cycling, resource-use efficiency, disease resistance, and resilience to environmental stress.
Particular emphasis is placed on research with a clear connection to agricultural outcomes, including reduced dependence on chemical inputs, supporting improved soil health and host resilience, and adaptation to or mitigation of climate change.
Eligible nominees
Nominees of any nationality shall:
- be under 50 years of age on 31st December 2027
- have achieved scientific results of recognised international significance
- have made a significant contribution to the theme of the edition
- preferably have already received scientific prizes or awards
- not hold any political office
Self-nominations shall not be permitted. The Award shall be reserved for individuals, not institutions.
Nominators
Nominations may only be submitted by:
- Universities
- Public or private research bodies and institutions
- Academies
- Scientific societies
- Foundations
- Other qualified bodies operating in research
- One or several prominent individuals from the scientific community
The nominating party shall guarantee the accuracy and completeness of information submitted and shall confirm that it has duly informed the nominee of the terms and conditions of the Rules of the Award.
A nominee may be nominated again in the future and may be eligible in more than one category.
Nominations explained
Nominations shall be submitted exclusively online, in English.
Nominations shall include:
- the details of the nominating party and the nominee
- a cover letter (Nomination Statement), of no more than 600 words, setting out the reasons for the nomination and the nominee’s contribution to the theme of the edition
- a curriculum vitae in PDF format
- a list of any prizes and awards received
- from one to a maximum of ten papers/publications, selected from the most significant ones in the discipline and the theme covered by the Call for Nominations
- Scientific papers submitted in support of the nomination, relevant to the theme of the Award, shall be uploaded in PDF format or made available via an open-access link.
Nominations submitted after the deadline, sent by means other than those specified, incomplete or in a language other than English shall not be taken into consideration.
Assessment criteria
The assessment shall take particular account of:
- the quality, originality and rigour of the scientific output
- the relevance and international impact of outcomes achieved
- the contribution to the advancement of the specific theme of the edition
- the potential for further development of the research and the scientific career