The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is proud to announce the winners of the IDF Professor Pavel Jelen Early Career Scientist Prize 2026. This prestigious prize honours outstanding early-career scientists. Eligible candidates include graduate and postgraduate students who have completed their highest degree within the past three years.
Named in tribute to Professor Pavel (Paul) Jelen, a Czech-born Canadian scientist and educator known for his dedication to dairy research and mentorship, the prize celebrates innovation, scientific excellence, and the importance of open communication in the dairy sector.
This year’s competition attracted a strong field of applicants from around the world. Submissions were evaluated by a panel of expert judges drawn from several IDF Standing Committees.
IDF is proud to announce the 2026 winners:
🥇 First Prize: Adam Cogan (University College Cork, Ireland)
For his project: “From Matrix to Metabolism: Investigating the Physicochemical, Functional, and Health Properties of Heated Cheddar Cheese”.
As the recipient of first place, he will be granted:
- A plaque recognizing the achievement
- A complimentary registration to the IDF World Dairy Summit 2026 hosted in Auckland, New Zealand
- An honorarium of €300
- Travel support of up to €700 to attend the Summit
🥈 Second Prize: Valentine Truffault (Université Laval, Canada)
For her research project: “Time-dependent colloidal structuring of liquid milk protein concentrates: implications for processing and sustainability.”
She will receive:
- A printed certificate recognizing the achievement
- An honorarium of €200
🥉 Third Prize: Anna Widenmann (University of Alberta, Canada)
For her project: “Ecological adaptation and carbohydrate metabolism of bovine-derived bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.”
She will be rewarded with:
- A printed certificate recognizing the achievement
- An honorarium of €100
All winners have been invited to present their work, both as a poster and a short oral presentation, at the IDF World Dairy Summit 2026, taking place in Auckland, New Zealand, from 15 to 20 November 2026. In addition, they will have the opportunity to publish their research on the IDF website and showcase themselves through IDF channels.
“The future of the dairy sector depends on attracting and supporting talented young scientists. IDF is delighted to recognise these outstanding early-career researchers and provide them with an international platform to share their work and contribute to the future of dairy.” said Dr. David Everett, Chair of the IDF Professor Pavel Jelen Early Career Scientist Prize and member of the IDF Standing Committee on Dairy Science and Processing Technology.
IDF extends its sincere congratulations to the winners and many thanks to all applicants for their exceptional contributions to advancing dairy science and technology. Their work demonstrates the depth of talent emerging across the global dairy research community and highlights the important role that young scientists play in shaping the future of the sector.
