EFFoST Student of the Year Awards

The European Federation of Food Science and Technology and Cargill are looking for the brightest students in food science and technology. Every year, EFFoST organizes the ‘Student of the Year Awards’ competition in collaboration with our partner Cargill. This award is a great opportunity for students to build and expand their professional network and boost their future career in food science and technology. From 2026 onwards, we are happy to launch a new Cargill Cares – Sustainability Award.

The winners will receive the prizes mentioned below and have the opportunity to present their work at the 40th EFFoST International Conference in Poznań, Poland. 

Win one of the Student of the Year Awards:
PhD Awards: 1st prize (€1500), 2nd prize (€750) and 3rd prize (€500)
MSc Awards: 1st prize (€1000) and 2nd prize (€500)
Popular vote: best student poster presentation (€250)

Sustainability Award: Best abstract with a sustainability focus (€1000)

Application rule: Each student may submit only one abstract for the awards competition (if you have multiple abstracts, please choose one to submit). You may apply to only one award: PhD Award, MSc Award, or Sustainability Award.

Winning students receive:

  • The Student of the Year Award and an official certificate
  • A cheque corresponding to the prize above
  • Free access to the 40th EFFoST International Conference and conference dinner (if already registered)
  • A travel budget of maximum €1.000 to cover your travel and accommodation costs to attend the EFFoST conference
  • A visit to Cargill’s European R&D Center to present your research (travel and accommodation costs are covered)
  • The opportunity to build and expand your professional network and boost your future career

Popular vote
The top 7 applicants following the jury evaluation of the PhD and MSc awards will be invited to join the Popular Vote competition for the best student poster presentation*. Upon nomination, the applicants will be asked to upload a three minute flash presentation video. This video will be shown as part of the plenary session and will be considered as part of the evaluation. The winner will be chosen by the conference delegates of EFFoST2026. Nominees of the other categories will not be able to complete for the Popular Vote Prize.

Sustainability Award
The Sustainability Award, sponsored by Cargill Cares Council, will be awarded to a PhD project of high scientific quality resulting in new knowledge and insights or newly developed solutions, anywhere across the value chain, with a measurable impact on the transformation towards a more sustainable food system.  Applicants in this category are encouraged to emphasise the sustainability elements of their research and how it contributes to positive change in the food system.

Application procedure

Step 1: Submit your abstract by using the online abstract submission system of the 40th EFFoST International Conference. Don’t forget to indicate that you would like to apply for the EFFoST Student of the Year Awards when the option is provided*.

Step 2: Complete the online application form. In this step you are requested to provide the following documents and information:

  • A copy of your student card or student registration
  • Your conference abstract incl. abstract submission number
  • Key info on higher education diplomas, minor and major thesis
  • Key info on work experience
  • List of key publications
  • Key info on awards, research grants, fellowships, skills, etc.
  • Your motivation to apply

Please kindly submit one abstract only in one award category only.

SOYA flyer – download and share! 

Are you eligible?
The EFFoST Student of the Year Awards are open to registered students of MSc or PhD programmes at European universities** in the academic year 2025 – 2026 or MSc students who completed their degree in the period July 2025 – June 2026. Students must have been enrolled in a degree program in food science and technology or similar. Part-time students can also apply.

Eligibility note: Exchange students studying at a European university are not eligible if their final degree is awarded solely by university outside of Europe.

For more information contact us at soya@effost.org 

About Cargill
Cargill’s 155,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve their purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, Cargill connects farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. Cargill is proud to work together with EFFoST to support and encourage the next generation of food scientists.

* There is no obligation to register for the conference to submit your application, you can just submit your abstract and apply for the Student of the Year Award. The five shortlisted nominees will be informed in time and receive a complimentary registration as their presence at the conference is mandatory. For the popular vote, only the top 7 applicants who register for the conference can participate in this competition.

** A University or College in the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City.

SOYA Flyer - Download and Share!