Nominations are now open for the 2026 ISME/IWA BioCluster Award

To recognise the importance and impact of interdisciplinary research at the interface of microbial ecology, water and wastewater treatment, and engineering sciences, the IWA/ISME BioCluster established the ISME/IWA BioCluster Award. This award is a collaboration between the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) and the International Water Association (IWA). These prestigious prizes honour internationally recognised research of exceptional merit in this field. The award is presented every two years. Nominations are now open for 2026.

How to Nominate

Please note that self‑nominations are not accepted, and the deadline for submissions is 8 May 2026.

All IWA and/or ISME members are entitled to nominate candidates. Candidates can be senior leaders in the field, but can also be young rising stars. Nominated candidates must be members of either IWA or ISME (or both). The call for nominations is open for two Awards:

• the Grand Prize
• the Rising Star Prize

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION HERE

Award Presentation

The Awards will be presented at the 2026 IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition, which will take place in Glasgow, United Kingdom, from 4–8 October 2026.

Learn more about the IWA/ISME BIocluster Awards here: IWA/ISME BioCluster Award - International Water Association

Interested in finding out more about the IWA Biocluster and connecting with the professionals associated with it? Please visit the website IWA Clusters – International Water Association.