Young Researcher Award 2026

AOECS Young Researcher Award in Coeliac Disease Research 2026

The future of coeliac disease research depends on talented young scientists with the courage to ask new questions, challenge existing knowledge and improve the lives of people living with coeliac disease.

The AOECS Young Researcher Award recognises outstanding early-career researchers whose work contributes to a better understanding, diagnosis, treatment, management, prevention or societal impact of coeliac disease and related gluten-mediated disorders.

The award offers international recognition, opportunities to present research to leading experts in the field, and a €500 prize for the winning applicant.

Submission deadline: 15 August 2026

Nominate candidate here

Who can apply

Applicant must:

Be 35 years of age or younger at the application deadline, or within eight years of obtaining their highest academic degree
Be enrolled in or have completed a Master's, PhD, MD, residency, fellowship or postdoctoral programme, or hold an early-career academic appointment
Be the principal contributor and presenting author of the submitted work
Conduct research in accordance with ethical and regulatory requirements

Award benefits

The winner will receive:

Young Researcher Award Certificate
Commemorative trophy or medal
Complimentary registration to the AOECS Annual Conference 2026 in Amsterdam
Featured research presentation opportunity
International visibility within the coeliac community
€500 prize award

Additional prizes may be awarded to runners-up at the discretion of the Scientific Evaluation Committee.

Eligible research projects

Applications are welcomed from researchers working in all aspects of coeliac disease and related gluten-mediated disorders. Here you can see a list of examples of admissible research areas.

How to apply

All applicants need to submit their proposal and upload all the documents through AOECS online portal.

For enquiries regarding eligibility, submission requirements, or the review process, please contact: [email protected]

Nominate candidate here

Requirements

Applicants must provide:

1. Structured project abstract (max. 500 words)
2. Curriculum Vitae (max. 4 pages)
3. Candidate biography (150–200 words)
4. Letter of support from supervisor, mentor or department head
5. Letter of support from an AOECS member association
6. Conflict of interest declaration
7. Ethics approval documentation (where applicable)

Awardees agree to

Acknowledge the Award in future presentations and publications arising from the awarded work.
Provide a brief impact report within 12 months if requested.
Participate in promotional or educational activities related to the Award.

Application deadline

Deadline for submission is August 15, 2026. After the research is submitted, we will contact you to inform you whether your contribution has been accepted.