IAFNS Opens Application for Emerging Leaders Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The Institute for the Advancement of Food & Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS) has opened the applications process for its Emerging Leaders Award to recognize excellence in food safety and nutrition sciences.

Open to professionals in the United States and Canada with less than eight years of experience since completing their degree, the award includes $2,000 in unrestricted cash and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., for IAFNS Annual Summer Science Symposium at the National Press Club. Winners will be awarded a speaking slot at the symposium to share their insights and accomplishments and receive their plaque, the organization said.

Self-nominations are welcome. Applications will be judged on the applicants’ research, communication, leadership and collaboration skills and accomplishments, said IAFNS. The organization said it encourages all young researchers and professionals to learn more about the opportunity. 

One award will be for food safety and another for nutrition. Qualifications include employment in academia, industry or government with a primary role as a researcher in the area of food safety or nutritional sciences. This award is intended for U.S. or Canada-based researchers. The nominees, as of Jan. 1, 2026, must have received their highest graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a related field within the previous eight years, according to IAFNS. 

Important Dates:

• Application Opens: Jan. 5, 2026
• Application Closes: Feb. 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (ET)
• Award Winners notified: Approximately March 23, 2026
• Award presentation at IAFNS Annual Summer Science Symposium: June 24-25, 2026.

As an organization, IAFNS said it drives, funds and leads actionable science to advance food and nutrition science in support of public health.

Learn more about the Emerging Leaders Award here.