The Donald R. Ulrich Award recognizes outstanding contributions in sol-gel science and technology made by early-career researchers. The Award, which honours the memory of Prof. Dr. Donald R. Ulrich, has been granted at each International Sol-Gel Conference held since 1991.
The awardee/s will receive a diploma and a two-years ISGS membership, and be invited to deliver an award lecture at the 2026 International Sol-Gel Conference in Lisbon. In addition, the awardee/s will be invited to publish a peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology on their research.
Eligible candidates
The candidate must be undertaking active research in sol-gel science and technology. The time elapsed from his/her Ph.D. thesis defense must be less than 10 years from the date of application. Any nominee not granted an award during previous award rounds is eligible to re-apply for the 2026 round, provided their thesis defense date meets the above criteria.
Application Process
Candidates must provide:
- A completed Online form (click here)
- A narrative description of the significant aspects of the nominee’s career (including his/her present and proposed future involvement in sol-gel science and technology).
- A CV (in which the date of their thesis defense should be specified).
- A complete list of peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
- Two Letters of Reference from senior researchers in sol-gel science and technology
The deadline for applications is Thursday 15 January 2026.
Selection of candidates
A selection committee chaired by Professor Dr Nicola Pinna will review all eligible nominations received and propose awardee(s) to the ISGS Board, based on candidates’ contributions to the broad area of sol-gel science and technology, together with their projected future activities. The selection committee will include a recent ISGS Lifetime Achievement Awardee.
The ISGS Board will announce the name(s) of awardee(s) by Friday 29 May 2026.
