The Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Emerging Leaders Award to recognize excellence in food safety and nutrition sciences.

Applications are open until February 13, 2026. Awardees will be notified in late March.

Open to U.S. and Canadian professionals 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 the 2026 IAFNS Annual Summer Science Symposium at the National Press Club on June 24–25. Winners will be awarded a speaking slot at the symposium to share their insights and accomplishments and receive their plaque.

Self-nominations are welcome. Applications will be judged on the applicants’ research, communication, leadership, and collaboration skills and accomplishments.

An award will be given for food safety, and another will be given 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.

The award is intended for U.S. or Canada-based researchers. The nominees, as of January 1, 2026, must have received their highest graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a related field within the previous eight years.

IAFNS encourages all young researchers and professionals to learn more about the opportunity, which is geared toward recognizing emerging leaders, here.