37th Australian Association of Animal Sciences Biennial Conference
Awards
All applications must be submitted by 24th of March 2026.
Please email your application to aaas2026@kamevents.com.au clearly identifying in subject line which award.
AAAS/McCaughey Memorial Institute Emerging Animal Scientist Award
Purpose
The AAAS/McCaughey Memorial Institute Emerging Animal Scientist Award recognises outstanding early-career researchers who are shaping the future of animal science in Australia. The award honours individuals who, within the past two years, have demonstrated exceptional innovation, measurable impact, and meaningful engagement across research, industry, education, or extension.
Supported by the McCaughey Memorial Institute, this award reflects AAAS’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence, leadership, and industry relevance in the next generation of animal scientists.
The McCaughey Memorial Institute is a charitable trust dedicated to promoting and facilitating agricultural research and education for the benefit of farmers and graziers in New South Wales and across Australia. In supporting this award, the Institute recognises that the development and acknowledgement of emerging scientists is critical to ensuring the long-term profitability, sustainability, and resilience of Australia’s livestock industries.
Award Details
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Prize: $3,000 AUD and a commemorative plaque.
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Presentation: The award will be presented at the Australian Association of Animal Sciences (AAAS) Biennial Conference.
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Invited Presentation: The recipient will deliver an invited presentation at the conference highlighting their work and its broader impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be within 7 years of completing their highest degree (e.g., PhD, DVM). Career interruptions (e.g., parental leave, illness) will be considered.
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Be a current financial member of AAAS.
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Be actively contributing to the field of animal sciences.
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Demonstrate significant contributions within the preceding two years in one or more of the following: research excellence, innovation and translation, industry engagement, education and extension, community outreach.
Nomination Process
Nominations may be submitted by peers, mentors, institutional leaders, or through self-nomination.
Required Documentation
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Curriculum Vitae: Maximum length: 3 pages. Including publications, grants, supervision, industry engagement, and leadership contributions.
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Short video submission (3–5 minutes maximum): The nominee must submit a short recorded video outlining: Their key contributions over the past two years, the impact and relevance of their work, how their work advances animal science and benefits industry or community. The video component is designed to assess clarity of communication, ability to translate science for broad audiences, and leadership presence and engagement. Videos should be professionally appropriate but do not require professional production.
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Up to two letters of support: letters should address the nominee’s innovation, impact, and leadership potential.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations will be assessed holistically across the following domains:
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Innovation and Scientific Excellence: Originality, rigour, and contribution to advancing animal science knowledge.
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Impact and Relevance: Evidence of measurable impact on research, industry, policy, education, or community outcomes.
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Leadership and Future Potential: Demonstrated trajectory toward sustained excellence and leadership within the discipline.
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Engagement and Industry Relevance: Ability to clearly articulate scientific contributions and engage effectively with diverse audiences (assessed in part through the video submission).
Special Conditions
Within 12 months of receiving the award, the recipient must submit a brief report outlining how the award funds were used to support research development, professional advancement, or industry engagement.
General Information -
Promotion and Announcement
Details of the AAAS/McCaughey Memorial Institute Emerging Animal Scientist Award, alongside the AAAS Excellence in Animal Science Award, will be promoted through AAAS publications, the official website, newsletters, and conference communications.
Judging Process
A panel comprising respected scientists and industry representatives will review all nominations. The selection process will ensure fairness, disciplinary breadth, and balanced representation across sectors of animal science.
Purpose and Impact
This award recognises not only scientific achievement, but the capacity to lead, communicate, and translate science into practice. By highlighting emerging leaders, AAAS and the McCaughey Memorial Institute strengthen the development of excellence across Australia’s animal sciences community.
Outstanding Animal Science Student Award
Purpose
The Outstanding Animal Science Student Award recognises and encourages undergraduate students who have shown exceptional dedication and achievement in the field of animal science. The award highlights future leaders who show passion, initiative, and clear aspirations to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s animal industries.
This award reflects AAAS’s commitment to supporting the next generation of animal scientists by fostering enthusiasm, professional development, and early engagement with the scientific and industry community.
Award Details
• Prize: monetary prize TBC and a commemorative plaque
• Presentation: The award will be presented at the Conference dinner of the Australian Association of Animal Sciences (AAAS).
• Recognition: The recipient will be acknowledged during the Conference dinner and through AAAS communication channels.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree in animal science or an animal related Program at University.
• Be a current student member of AAAS.
• Demonstrate active interest and engagement in the animal sciences.
Nomination/Application Process
Applications may be submitted directly by eligible students.
Required Documentation
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Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages): outlining academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership activities, work experience, and relevant industry engagement.
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Short video submission (3 minutes maximum): The applicant must submit a recorded video outlining:
• Their commitment to the discipline of animal science, demonstrated through academic achievements, practical experience, leadership, or other relevant activities.
• Their perspective on the most significant challenge facing the animal-related industry they wish to enter, and the approach they would bring to addressing it.
The video component is designed to assess communication skills, motivation, clarity of vision, and potential to contribute to the profession.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed holistically across the following domains:
• Commitment to Animal Science: Demonstrated passion, initiative, and engagement with the discipline.
• Academic and Professional Development: Evidence of achievement and involvement beyond coursework.
• Future Aspirations and Leadership Potential: Clarity of career goals and potential contribution to the animal industries.
• Communication Skills: Ability to articulate goals and commitment clearly and confidently.
Judging Process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprising academic and industry representatives appointed by the Conference organisers and AAAS Federal Council.
AAAS Science Snapshot Honours & Graduate Excellence Award
Purpose
The AAAS Science Snapshot – Honours and HDR Award recognises outstanding research contributions from Honours students and Higher Degree by Research (HDR; Master and PhD) candidates in the field of animal science.
The award celebrates excellence in research, innovation, and scientific communication while providing a platform to showcase emerging research leaders to the broader scientific and professional community.
Award Details
• Prize: TBC and a commemorative plaque.
• Presentation: Awards will be presented during the Conference dinner of the AAAS Biennial Conference.
• Session Format: A dedicated “Science Snapshot” session will be included in the conference program.
• Recognition: Award recipients will be formally acknowledged during the AAAS Conference dinner.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
• Be current Honours students or HDR candidates (Master or PhD), or
• Be within 12 months of degree conferral at the time of application.
• Be engaged in research relevant to animal science.
Application Process
Eligible candidates must submit a one-page paper for consideration in the Science Snapshot session, in accordance with the conference submission guidelines. The paper must be accepted for inclusion in the conference program, and the work must be presented in a three-minute presentation during the Science Snapshot session at the AAAS Conference.
Evaluation Criteria
Presentations will be assessed holistically across the following domains:
• Scientific Quality and Originality: Rigour, novelty, and contribution to advancing knowledge.
• Innovation and Contribution: Extent to which the research demonstrates innovation or addresses key scientific or industry challenges.
• Relevance and Impact: Potential to influence industry practice, policy, sustainability, welfare, or scientific advancement.
• Communication Effectiveness: Clarity, structure, and ability to communicate complex ideas concisely and effectively.
Judging Process
Presentations will be evaluated by a panel composed of international keynote speakers and senior scientists invited to the conference. The selection process will ensure fairness, disciplinary breadth, and balanced evaluation across topics and students.
Purpose and Impact
The Science Snapshot Award promotes research excellence while strengthening presentation skills and professional visibility among emerging scientists. By elevating high-quality student research, AAAS supports innovation and leadership across the animal sciences community.
Animal Science Industry Innovation Award
Purpose
The Animal Science Industry Innovation Award recognises producers and industry practitioners who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and excellence in the practical application of animal science.
The award showcases professionals who champion evidence-based practice, strengthen the link between research and industry, and drive improvements in animal performance, care, and wellbeing across Australia’s animal sectors.
Award Details
• Prize: TBC and a commemorative plaque.
• Presentation: The award will be presented at the Conference dinner of the AAAS Biennial Conference.
• Recognition: The recipient will be acknowledged during the conference and through AAAS communication channels.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
• Be actively engaged in animal production or industry practice.
• Operate within livestock, equine, aquaculture, wildlife, or companion animal industries.
• Demonstrate leadership in adopting or promoting innovation grounded in animal science.
Nomination Process
Nominations may be submitted by peers, industry organisations, professional bodies, or through self-nomination.
Required Documentation
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Summary Statement (maximum two pages): outlining the innovation implemented, rationale, and outcomes achieved.
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One letter of support: addressing the nominee’s innovation, leadership, and contribution to industry advancement.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations will be assessed across the following domains:
• Innovation and Application of Science: Adoption and adaptation of evidence-based practices.
• Measurable Impact: Demonstrated improvements in productivity, sustainability, animal welfare, or environmental outcomes.
• Leadership and Knowledge Exchange: Contribution to knowledge sharing between research and industry, and influence within the sector.
• Industry Relevance: Practical significance and scalability of the innovation.
Judging Process
A panel comprising scientists and industry representatives will review all nominations to ensure balanced evaluation across production sectors.
Purpose and Impact
By recognising industry leaders who translate science into practice, this award strengthens collaboration between research and production systems. It highlights the essential role of innovation in ensuring profitability, sustainability, and resilience within Australia’s diverse animal industries.