Celebrating Scientific Excellence: The IFF Science Awards
The IFF Science Awards, formerly known as the Danisco Foundation Science Excellence Awards, are a prestigious annual recognition of groundbreaking scientific achievements in fields that shape the future of food, nutrition, health, and biosciences.
Established in 2002 by the Danisco Foundation, the awards were created to spotlight external scientists whose work contributes to improving food products and advancing human and planetary health. The Danisco Foundation itself was founded in 1981 with a mission to fund and support food science and research. Following IFF’s merger with DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences in 2021, IFF proudly carries forward the legacy of these awards, deepening our commitment to scientific progress and global collaboration.
Nominees are evaluated based on:
Scientific Excellence: Novelty, creativity, and rigor of research, including publications and patents.
Impact & Relevance: Alignment with IFF’s strategic R&D priorities and potential to address global challenges.
Collaborative Spirit: Engagement across academia, industry, and diverse communities.
Affiliation: Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
Research Focus: Human and evolutionary microbiome science, with emphasis on how microbes and hosts have adapted together over time and the implications for health.
Prof. Ruth Ley is known for her pioneering work in the field of microbiome science, and her research has changed the way people understand the influence of microbial communities on health and disease, thus helping to establish the microbiome as a key area of contemporary biomedical research.
Using insights from evolutionary biology, ecology, and genomics, her research has shown how the long-established relationships between humans and their microbes influence biological function. Having linked basic discoveries to issues concerning human health, she has contributed to a new understanding of the microbiome’s role in medicine and society.
Affiliation: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
Research Focus: Microbial metabolism and chemical biology, with emphasis on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that govern microbial communities and their impact on health and the environment.
Prof. Emily Balskus is recognized for groundbreaking research at the intersection of chemistry and microbiology. Her work has expanded scientific understanding of how microbes carry out complex chemical transformations and how these activities influence biological systems.
She has supplied powerful tools for investigating the functions of microbial communities by identifying new metabolic pathways and microbial enzymes, and her innovative method of combining chemistry with microbiology is still opening up new possibilities for progress in the areas of human health, biotechnology, and sustainable innovation.
Affiliation: Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
Research Focus: Human nutrition and health, with emphasis on childhood and adolescent obesity, maternal and early-life nutrition, the microbiome, and metabolic disease.
Dr. Carles Lerín has been recognized for his pioneering contributions to the field of human nutrition and health. His research explores the critical links between maternal, infant, and early childhood nutrition and the development of metabolic diseases later in life. By integrating insights from microbiome science, his work sheds light on how early-life dietary patterns influence obesity and metabolic outcomes. Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Lerín is celebrated for his role as a mentor to emerging scientists and his collaborative efforts with both academic institutions and industry partners. His work exemplifies the intersection of rigorous science and practical health applications, making a lasting impact on public health strategies.
Affiliation: University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands
Research Focus: Molecular bacteriology, with emphasis on microbial protein secretion, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of novel antimicrobial strategies.
Jan Maarten van Dijl is a leading figure in molecular bacteriology, known for his groundbreaking research on bacterial protein secretion systems and their role in host-pathogen interactions. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of microbial mechanisms that influence human health, particularly in the context of infectious diseases. Through innovative approaches, Prof. van Dijl has contributed to the development of new antimicrobial strategies that hold promise for combating antibiotic resistance. His research not only deepens scientific knowledge but also aligns with global health priorities. The IFF Science Award recognizes his sustained excellence, collaborative spirit, and the translational potential of his work in improving health outcomes.
Nutrition and microbiome science
Enzyme engineering
Animal nutrition and host-microbe interactions.
Microbiome research and microbial ecologies
Each year, IFF honors two scientists from around the world, reflecting our commitment to geographic, ethnic, and gender diversity. Awardees are invited to present their work at IFF sites, fostering dialogue, learning and inspiration across our global scientific community.
scientists recognized
+$1.5 Million USD Awarded
Academic institutions
The IFF Science Awards embody our belief that science and creativity together can build a better world. By recognizing excellence and fostering collaboration, we aim to accelerate innovation that benefits people and planet.