IPRG Awards
The International Propolis Research Group is committed to recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution of researchers and practitioners working in the field of propolis.
As interest in propolis research continues to grow, so too does the breadth and variety of work being undertaken around the world. For the 2027 conference, we have increased the number of awards to reflect this growing body of research and the many different ways in which propolis research is contributing to science, healthcare, animal health, communities and environmental sustainability.
As in previous years, we are delighted to present the Bankova Young Research Award, which recognises promising early-career researchers who are making an outstanding contribution to propolis research.
In addition, the 2027 IPRG Conference will present the following awards:
Award for Lifetime Achievement
Recognising an individual who has made an exceptional and sustained contribution to propolis research, development, education or application over the course of their career.
Award for Outstanding Achievement
Recognising an exceptional contribution to propolis research or its application since the previous IPRG conference, highlighting significant achievements, discoveries or developments made during this period.
Award for Best Presentation
Recognising the presentation that demonstrates the strongest combination of scientific quality, originality, clarity and significance of research.
Award for Best Poster
Recognising an outstanding poster that communicates high-quality research clearly and effectively through both scientific content and visual presentation.
Award for Best Clinical Research
Recognising exceptional research investigating the clinical applications of propolis, including studies that contribute to the evidence base for its safety, efficacy and therapeutic use.
Award for Community Impact
Recognising research or initiatives that demonstrate a meaningful impact on communities through the use, understanding, education or application of propolis.
Award for Veterinary Science
Recognising outstanding research into the use of propolis in veterinary medicine and animal health, including its potential to improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of animals.
Award for Animal Welfare in Scientific Research
Recognising research into propolis that demonstrates a clear and meaningful commitment to animal welfare and the ethical conduct of scientific research, including the responsible application of the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement.
Award for Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Recognising research or initiatives that demonstrate significant contributions to environmental sustainability, sustainable propolis production, responsible beekeeping or the understanding and protection of ecosystems.
Celebrating Excellence in Propolis Research
Together, these awards recognise the breadth of contemporary propolis research and the different ways in which researchers are advancing our understanding and application of this remarkable natural product.
We look forward to celebrating the achievements of researchers from around the world and to recognising both established leaders and the next generation of researchers contributing to the future of propolis science.
The Professor Vassya Bankova Young Research Award
Supporting the Next Generation of Propolis Researchers
The International Propolis Research Group is pleased to invite applications for the Professor Vassya Bankova Young Researcher Award, to be presented in connection with the 5th International Propolis Conference in York, United Kingdom, from 28th – 30th May 2027.
The award honours Professor Vassya Bankova, a founding member of the International Propolis Research Group and one of the world’s leading authorities on the chemistry and biological diversity of propolis.
Through more than four decades of research, international collaboration and scientific leadership, Professor Bankova has made an exceptional contribution to the understanding of propolis. The award reflects her commitment not only to scientific excellence, but also to encouraging and supporting the next generation of researchers.
Purpose of the award
The Professor Vassya Bankova Young Researcher Award recognises an outstanding early-career researcher whose work demonstrates scientific quality, originality and the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the future of propolis research.
The award is intended to help a talented young researcher participate in the international IPRG community, present their work at the York conference and develop new scientific connections and collaborations.
Who May Apply?
The award is open to applicants who:
- Are aged 35 years or under on the application deadline.
- Have submitted an abstract for an oral presentation at the 5th International Propolis Conference.
- Are the presenting author of the submitted work.
- Are actively involved in research relating to propolis.
- Applications are welcomed from researchers anywhere in the world.
What Does the Award Provide?
The award will support the successful applicant’s attendance at the 5th International Propolis Conference in York.
The award will cover:
- Conference registration.
- Reasonable travel expenses.
- Suitable accommodation in York.
The recipient will present their accepted research at the conference and will be formally recognised during the conference awards ceremony.
How to Apply
Applicants must first submit their conference abstract through the official Abstract Submission Portal.
They must then send the following documents to admin@propolisconferenceyork-uk.com:
- A copy of the submitted abstract.
- A personal statement of no more than 100 words explaining:
- Their interest in propolis research.
- The significance of their current work.
- How attending the conference would support their research or professional development.
- A curriculum vitae of no more than one A4 page.
- Confirmation of their date of birth and current institutional affiliation.
The email subject line should read:
- Bankova Award Application 2027 – [Applicant’s Full Name]
- Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by a panel appointed by the International Propolis Research Group.
The panel will consider:
- Scientific quality and methodological rigour.
- Originality and innovation.
- Relevance to propolis research.
- Potential contribution to human health, honeybee health, sustainability or scientific understanding.
- The applicant’s contribution to the submitted work.
- The potential benefit of conference participation to the applicant’s future development.
- Clarity and quality of the submitted application.
The panel’s decision will be final.
Important Dates
*Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required documents are received before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.
| Conference Abstract Submission Deadline | 15th January 2027 |
| Bankova Award Application Deadline | 15th January 2027 |
| Notification of Granting of Bankova Award | 26th February 2027 |
| Conference | 28th, 29th, 30th May 2027 |
A Message to Young Researchers
Propolis research continues to grow through new ideas, new methods and collaboration across countries and disciplines.
Whether your work concerns the chemistry of propolis, its role within the honeybee colony, its biological properties, its potential applications or its sustainable production, we warmly encourage you to apply.
The International Propolis Research Group looks forward to recognising and supporting a researcher who will help shape the future of propolis science.
James Fearnley
Founder/Director
International Propolis Research Group