*Deadline: 8th May 2026*

IWA and ISME are now opening the call for nominations for the IWA/ISME BioCluster Awards 2026.

The ISME/IWA BioCluster prize is awarded to an IWA or ISME member whose research has been internationally recognised to be of unusual merit for linking microbiological and engineering sciences in the field of water and wastewater treatment. Senior scientists as well as early career researchers considered to be rising stars in this field can be nominated.

This award will be presented at the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition to be held in Glasgow, UK, October 2026

*Deadline for submissions: 8th May 2026*

Submissions will be judged by an international evaluation committee, consisting of both IWA and ISME members. Two prizes will be given: a Grand Prize and a Rising Star Prize.

The following criteria will be used to select the winners:
• Promotion of interdisciplinary research
• Breakthrough research
• Application potential in the water sector

For the Rising Star Award, as career trajectories vary, there is no strict time-based definition of “early career.” However, the nominator must explain why the nominee should be considered an ‘early career researcher’ relative to their career stage and opportunities.

Please note that only IWA and/or ISME members are eligible to nominate candidates. In addition, all nominated candidates must also hold active membership with either IWA or ISME (or both). For information on IWA membership, please visit the IWA website.

To submit your nomination, please complete the nomination application below before the deadline.

Complete all fields in the online application and upload all required documents. An incomplete entry will NOT be accepted or reviewed.

Please note that self-nominations are not accepted for this award. The winners will be notified before 19 June 2026. Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted.

Nominations for the award must be made by a current IWA and/or ISME member and can only be submitted through this online form.

The winners will receive a trophy and certificate and will be invited to the IWA and ISME Congresses. The winner will also receive interviews for communications (e.g. the IWA magazine The Source and/or IWA website).

For all inquiries, please contact Ms. Rachna Sarkari,(rachna.sarkari@iwahq.org)



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* 1. Proposer information
Register your personal information and state your relationship to the award nominee (e.g. client, supporter)

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* 2. Nominee information

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* 3. Please provide a concise statement outlining your motivation for nominating this candidate This should clearly describe nominee’s key contributions, impact on the field and overall suitability for the award (250 words max).



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* 4. If the nomination is for the Rising Star category, please explain why the nominee should be considered an early career researcher relative to their career stage and opportunities (additional 200 words max).


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* 5. Please attach a detailed curriculum vitae, including a complete publication list for the nominee

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* 6.
 
Please attach the first supporting letter, from a scientist affiliated neither with your institution nor with the institution of the nominated candidate

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* 7.
 
Please attach the second supporting letter, from a scientist affiliated neither with your institution nor with the institution of the nominated candidate

 
100% of survey complete.

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