AAB President’s Medal

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WHY JOIN AAB?

The Association of Applied Biologists (AAB) are pleased to announce three new AAB President’s Medals recognising excellence, impact and leadership across applied biology.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 AAB President’s Medals in the following categories:

 

Plant Science Medal

For research excellence in applied plant biology. 

Sustainable Futures Medal

For excellence in implementation or development of sustainable practices in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and land management.

Accessibility in Applied Biology Medal

For promotion of Equality, Diversity and
Inclusion within the Applied Biology Community.

Eligibility

The Plant Science and Sustainable Futures Excellence Medals are open to nominations of anyone within 5-15 years post highest-degree level, excluding career breaks, whilst the Accessibility in Applied Biology Medal is open to all, regardless of career-stage.

Self-nomination is prohibited. Anyone can nominate or be nominated, regardless of AAB membership, however non-members must accept AAB membership if awarded the Medal.

Awards Process

Nominations for the AAB President’s Medals are open until 31 st May 2026.

Nominators are invited to fill in short form providing contact details of nominee and up to 500 words detailing why they deserve the medal, according to themes within the judging criteria outlined below.

 

After an initial sift, nominees will be invited to fill in an application early-June, to be
submitted by 31 st July (TBC).

The full nomination form will ask nominees to provide examples of excellence, impact and leadership within their field of work and wider community, addressing themes outlined in the judging criteria

 

The judging panel will then convene to assess applications, according to the published
criteria, with successful awardees notified in September.

The Judging Panel will be assembled from diverse representatives of the 13 AAB specialist groups and council, undergoing training to ensure fair and unbiased judging process

 

Medallists will be invited to present at an Awards Dinner at the AAB President’s Meeting in
York in November, receiving a Medal and lifetime membership to the Association of Applied
Biologists.

Judging Criteria

Nominees will be assessed primarily on scientific excellence and their broader contribution
to the applied biology community. Please note, that the below questions are examples of
areas which can be evidenced, but we do not require that all are answered positively for a
given candidate.

Medals 1 & 2: Plant Science and Sustainable Futures

  • Excellence in Applied Biology:
    • Is their research or work applied?
    • Does their work address real-world challenges – particularly those relating to sustainable agriculture, food systems, plant & environmental health?
    • Is their work novel and innovative?
    • Has the nominee made a significant and distinctive contribution to their discipline – demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, translational outcomes or uptake by practitioners, industry, or policy?
  • Impact:
    • What measurable or demonstrable impact has the nominee’s work had on applied plant biology and sustainable agriculture?
    • Has their work led to new research areas or advancements?
    • Has their work influenced practice, informed policy, shaped guidelines or enabled technological or methodological advances?
  • Community and Leadership:
    • Has the nominee contributed to professional activities such as organising conferences, workshops, training events or public engagement initiatives?
    • Do they actively promote sustainable agriculture & applied biology?
    • Do they show evidence of collaborations and teamwork?
    • Are they active in scientific policy or advisory groups?
    • Do they serve on any boards, committees or panels?
    • Has the nominee demonstrated leadership through mentoring, supervision or support of early-career researchers, students or colleagues?
    • Is there evidence that they promote equality, diversity and inclusion in their team, work or institution?
  • Character/ Professional Standing:
    • Are they within 5-15 years of their highest degree level?
    • Are they widely regarded as a respected and trusted member of the applied biology community?
    • Do they act as a positive role model, reflecting the values and mission of the Association of Applied Biologists (as outlined in the AAB code of conduct)?

Medal 3: Accessibility in Applied Biology

  • Impact:
    • Has the nominee contributed to initiatives that drive positive cultural or structural change?
    • What measurable or demonstrable impact has the nominee’s work had on the applied biology community?
    • Has their work influenced practice, informed policy or shaped guidelines?
  • Community and Leadership:
    • Has the nominee demonstrated leadership through mentoring, supervision or support of early-career researchers, students or colleagues?
    • Do they actively support underrepresented or marginalised groups?
    • Is there evidence that they promote equality, diversity and inclusion in their team, work or institution?
    • Has the nominee contributed to professional activities such as organising conferences, workshops, training events or public engagement initiatives?
    • Are they active in scientific policy or advisory groups?
    • Do they serve on any boards, committees or panels?
  • Character/ Professional Standing:
    • Are they widely regarded as a respected and trusted member of the applied biology community?
    • Do they act as a positive role model, reflecting the values and mission of the Association of Applied Biologists (as outlined in the AAB code of conduct)?

To nominate someone for an AAB President’s Medal please complete the form below.

AAB President’s Medals – Nomination Form