Oxoid Awards recognise the essential work undertaken by laboratories, microbiologists and all those involved in product safety, quality and hygiene in the food and beverage industries.
The 2006/2007 Oxoid Awards are now open for entry.
The awards are organised in conjunction with International Food Hygiene magazine and the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.
Prizes are to be awarded in two categories - Oxoid young microbiologist of the year and Oxoid food safety team of the year - with the judges looking for submissions that demonstrate improvements, achievements and innovation in these areas.
The Oxoid young microbiologist of the year will receive £1000, a commemorative trophy and a trip to the 2008 International Association of Food Protection (IAFP) meeting in Columbus, Ohio.
Entry to this category is open to individual and nominated applicants who are no more than 30 years old at the end of June 2007.
£1000 and a commemorative trophy will also be awarded to the Oxoid food safety team of the year.
Past entrants to the annual Oxoid Awards have commented on the significant motivational benefits they have derived from the preparation of their entries, an activity which focuses attention on their efforts and achievements.
"Preparing the entry makes you reflect on what you've achieved and what you've been through in the previous year", comments Nicola Wilson, general manager of UK-based Westward Laboratories, winner of the Oxoid laboratory of the year award for 2004/2005.
"And of course, winning an award like this provides recognition of the effort that everyone puts in to creating a highly effective organisation.
"It's great to have such recognition within the food industry for those of us who work on the microbiology side.
"I would certainly encourage people to enter".
The closing date for entries is 30 June 2007, and the winners will receive their prizes at a special Oxoid awards ceremony later in the year.
