The 2024 applications are now closed. Applications for next year’s award to open Fall 2024.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants should be a masters, doctoral or medical/veterinary student, postdoctoral researcher or early career scientist fewer than 5 years following the terminal degree.

The scope of research must be basic or clinical research disciplines in the fields of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics or fermented foods. Criteria include:

  • a significant research finding and its publication(s), to which the applicant contributed substantively
  • major conference presentation(s)
  • new ideas that advance the field
  • evidence of impact through citizenship, general outreach, social media, citations, etc
  • ground-breaking dissertation

Award composition

  • Travel and accommodation for the ISAPP Annual Meeting in Cork, Ireland in July 2024 (economy flights, conference accommodation and meals provided by ISAPP in accordance with the ISAPP travel policy)
  • Plenary speaker slot to present their research
  • Award plaque
  • An unrestricted cash prize ($1500 USD).

Application dates

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of ISAPP scientists and verified by the Board of Directors, whose decision will be final. Applicants will be notified via email of their award status by December 22nd, 2023. The successful applicant will be expected to attend the ISAPP annual meeting in person, July 9-11th in Cork, Ireland (with travel provided in accordance with ISAPP policy) to receive the award.

Application process

A completed Application Package requires:

  • Online submission of the application form (below)
  • Email submission to awards@nullisappscience.org of:
    • A formal letter/transcript from the applicant’s current Research institution, providing confirmation of current enrolment/appointment status
    • A short supporting statement (50-100 words) emailed directly from a mentor, advisor, or supervisor

Award Rules

The recipient of the award will be selected in the sole discretion of an Awards Committee designated by the ISAPP Board of Directors, based on criteria determined by the Awards Committee (provided said criteria and determination do not conflict with any rule, policy or procedure adopted by the ISAPP Board of Directors).  By submitting his or her application, the applicant agrees to all Award Rules and consents to and authorizes ISAPP to conduct research into the background of the applicant, including verification of information provided in the application documents and the interviewing of persons deemed by the Awards Committee as having information germane to the applicant’s qualification for an Award.  Information collected during said research shall be maintained as confidential by ISAPP, except that information may, in the discretion of the Awards Committee, be disclosed publicly with the permission of the applicant, or as may otherwise be required by law.  The decision of the Awards Committee shall be final.  The award may be revoked by the ISAPP Board of Directors if the recipient of the award engages in conduct harmful to the reputation and interests of ISAPP, or if an application includes materially false or misleading information.

Applications must be submitted during the application period determined by ISAPP.  Applications shall include a complete Award Application Package as described above – applications not accompanied by this package will not be considered.  Applicants must provide appropriate and accurate information to be assessed for the eligibility criteria. Applicants deemed to be ineligible based on one or more criteria will not be considered. Applications should be completed by the applicant or their delegate – third party nominations without nominee involvement are not permitted. Information set forth in applications may be published at the discretion of ISAPP. Applications will not be returned to the submitting party.

The granting of the award is conditional upon the recipient attending the award ceremony in person. The Board shall determine the time and place of the award ceremony, and may provide travel expenses in accordance with ISAPP policy. Whether an award is given each year, and the number of awards given per year is at the discretion of the Awards committee.  Immigration and visa status and related expenses shall be the sole responsibility of the Award recipient.

The ISAPP Board of Directors is empowered to adopt, enact and change written rules, policies and procedures relating to the Award, and shall have final authority to address all issues and conflicts relating to or arising out of the Award. Any matters not addressed by this announcement or in ISAPP will be addressed at the sole discretion of the ISAPP Board of Directors.