The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is thrilled to announce the winners of the “IDF Professor Pavel Jelen Early Career Scientist Prize 2024.” This prestigious award recognizes the exceptional work of scientists and technologists in the dairy science and technology field, specifically targeting “early-career” individuals, including graduate and postgraduate students who have graduated within three years of their highest degree.

Named in honor of Professor Pavel (Paul) Jelen, an esteemed Czech-born Canadian scientist and educator who dedicated his career to dairy science and technology research, as well as mentoring and educating young scientists and technologists, the Prize exemplifies the importance of open communication in the field.

The high-quality applications received underwent a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished panel of judges comprising experts from various disciplines related to dairy science and technology. The judges were drawn from several standing committees of IDF.

IDF proudly announces the winners of the “IDF Professor Pavel Jelen Early Career Scientist Prize” for 2024:

First Prize: Maria Frizzarin (Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research Centre, Ireland) for her work on the use of mid-infrared spectroscopy to quantify the cow environmental footprint.

Second Prize: Natalie Ahlborn (Sustainable Nutrition Initiative – Riddet Institute, New Zealand) for her work on processing treatments of milk and their effects on digestion and nutrient absorption.

Equal Third Prize: Riccardo Cocuzzi (Agroscope and the University of Fribourg, Switzerland) for his work on lactate metabolism in Propionibacterium freudenreichii, an important microorganism in the manufacture of Swiss-type cheeses.

Equal Third Prize: Mark Timlin (University College Dublin and Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ireland) for his work on the impacts of a ‘typical’ Irish pasture-based system on the composition and quality of milk and dairy products.

Maria Frizzarin will receive a plaque recognizing the achievement, complimentary registration to the IDF World Dairy Summit 2024, a honorarium of €400, and travel expenses up to €1,800 to support her attendance at the IDF WDS 2024.

Natalie Ahlborn will receive a printed certificate recognizing the achievement and an honorarium of €200.

Riccardo Cocuzzi and Mark Timlin will both receive a printed certificate recognizing the achievement and an honorarium of €100.

The winners will be encouraged to attend the IDF World Dairy Summit 2024 to be held in Paris, France from 15 to 18 October 2024. There, they will have the opportunity to present their work as a poster and as a short oral presentation. Presenting their work at the World Dairy Summit will provide the awardees with an invaluable platform to showcase their research and expertise, fostering opportunities for further education, mentoring, and employment in the dairy sector.

“We firmly believe that this prize will inspire and incentivize candidates to dedicate their careers to addressing dairy-related issues, empowering a new generation of scientists and technologists committed to advancing dairy science and technology. Through their efforts, we aim to enhance the quality, safety, and nutritional value of milk and dairy products,” stated Dr. Geoffrey Smithers, a member of the IDF Standing Committees on Dairy Science and Technology and Nutrition and Health,  and Chair of the Prize judging panel.

IDF extends its gratitude to all the participants and extends heartfelt congratulations to the winners for their outstanding performance.

For more information, please visit the IDF Pavel Jelen Early Career Scientist Prize section on the IDF corporate website.

About IDF:
The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is the leading global source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy sector. IDF represents the dairy sector’s interests at the international level and promotes scientific, technical, and economic development through global cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sebastian Dates, [email protected]
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