The IWA/ISME BioCluster awards honour scientists whose internationally recognised research links microbiology and engineering in water and wastewater treatment. Submit your nomination by 8 May 2026.
IWA and ISME have opened 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.
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).
To submit your nomination, please complete the nomination application before the 8 May 2026.
The winners will be notified by 19 June 2026. The winners will receive a trophy and certificate and will be invited to the IWA Congress. The winner will also receive interviews for communications (e.g. the IWA magazine The Source and/or IWA website). The 2026 awards will be presented at the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition to be held in Glasgow, UK, in October 2026
Learn more about the IWA/ISME Biocluster Awards, past winners and submit your nomination.