What is the IFST Northern Ireland Future Scientist Competiton?
• Are you a student who has recently completed a final year food or nutrition related research project?
• Are you studying at Ulster University, Queen’s University or College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise?
Then you should enter this exciting competition to showcase your work and be in with a chance to win up to £1000!
(Are you studying in England, Scotland or Wales? Please see separate: IFST Future Scientist Competition)
How to enter
Applicants are required to submit an abstract no longer than 250 words on current work or a recently completed project within the areas of food science, food industry, food technology human nutrition or other relevant food related research areas.
The abstract must contain project aims, methods, results, discussion and impact of your research e.g. to food industry, policy, education, public health etc.
Successful shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their research and will be judged on scientific originality, innovation, research impact and effective communication skills.
Please apply by submitting your abstract via by midnight 1st May 2026
2026 Application Form
Prizes
- 1st Prize £1000 (£500 up front and £500 if in employment in food industry with a year post graduation)
- Runners up £50 + 1 year IFST membership
Final Event
Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 21st 2026 and will be expected to present their project findings at a celebratory event:
Date: Thursday 28th May 2026
Venue: College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (CAFRE), Loughry Campus
Location: Food Innovation Centre, Rooms FIC 8/9
Time: 2-5pm
Kindly sponsored by:
