Procedures for Entry

The entrant must submit the following items:

• A completed Entry Form.
• An essay, written by the entrant, submitted in Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx), that describes his or her research and places it in perspective in respect to current research in the field of the functional attributes of the microbiota of any organism that has potential to contribute to our understanding of human or veterinary health and disease or to guide therapeutic interventions. The essay must not exceed 1,000 words in length.  The essay may include one summary figure or table and may have up to 15 references cited numerically in the text (not included in word count). 
• A one-page letter of recommendation from his or her postdoctoral adviser, supervisor, or other senior colleague who is familiar with the entrant's work.
• A Curriculum Vitae that includes the following:
  1. Full citations of papers that the entrant has published on the research described in the essay
  2. Academic and professional awards and honors that the entrant has received; and
  3. Relevant professional experience
• Copies of two of the entrant's papers that are most relevant to the essay.
• The Entry Form and additional submission materials must be submitted electronically through our prize management system here.

If you have questions regarding the format of the essay, please refer to the essays of the previous year's winners.  They can be found on the prize web page at: https://www.science.org/content/page/past-winners-noster-science-microbiome-prize

Below is a timeline for the prize selection process. You will be contacted only if there are additional materials or information needed.

January/February/March: Compilation and Review of Submissions

April/May: Selection of Prize Winner

July: Announcement of Prize Winner

September: Award Ceremony

Click here to register and submit an entry for the 2025 Noster and Science Prize.