Two New Investigator Awards for excellence in the conduct and presentation of scientific research will be made at the ISPID International Conference. The work to be presented will have been carried out:

• By a member of ISPID,
• During the candidate's first substantive research programme or project,
• Over a period of two years or more, either part-time or full time.

The applicant will have been responsible for the major components of the work to be presented. The age of the applicant will not determine eligibility. The award will be based on the scientific merit, presentation and discussion of a paper to be presented orally at the ISPID International Conference. The presentation will be ten minutes followed by five minutes for questions. The panel of judges will comprise members of ISPID.

Before the ISPID International Conference, the conference programme committee will evaluate applications based on a review of the abstract of the paper in which the background and significance of the work is outlined. These will be evaluated by each committee member, and individual scores from each member will be aggregated. Further details of the research may be required by the committee, and individuals will be contacted if this is the case.

A total of up to 6 abstracts will be selected for oral presentation at a plenary session to be held on the first day of the conference. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Excellence in the design, execution, analysis and critical appraisal of their research,
• Ability to communicate key concepts clearly to an audience who have no specialised knowledge in the field,
• Competence in dealing with the challenge of peers' questions.

The judges will meet immediately after the presentations have been made, and their decision will be made by awarding points to each candidate comprising:

1. Scientific merit (based on oral presentation) 50%
2. Standard of presentation and communication 40%
3. Responses to questions 10%

The judges' decision will be communicated to the Presidents of the Associations and the winner of the Award will be announced at the Conference Dinner. The judges' decision is final.

To be considered for a New Investigator Award, please mark the On-Line Abstract Submission Form appropriately.