WH Pierce Prize
Recognises applied microbiology that has delivered measurable, real-world impact across multiple global challenges.
Nominations for the 2027 Horizon Awards are now open!
The Horizon Awards celebrate excellence across applied microbiology, recognising individuals whose work is making a meaningful difference in the world. From global health and food security to environmental protection, policy and inclusive practice, the awards recognise those advancing microbiology and delivering solutions to some of today's most pressing challenges.
Nominations are invited across six prestigious awards: the WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize, Basil Jarvis Food Security and Innovation Award, John Snow Public Health Innovation Prize, Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award, Rachel Carson Environmental Conservation Excellence Award, and Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award.
New for 2027, four Early Career Excellence Awards will also recognise outstanding contributions from emerging researchers in environmental conservation, food security and innovation, and public health. Find out more about the Early Career Excellence Awards and how to nominate here.
Submit your nomination for the 2027 Horizon Awards today.
Christiana Figueres Award
Recognises outstanding individuals who bridge the gap between applied microbiology, policy, and real-world implementation.
John Snow Prize
Recognises outstanding achievements in applied microbiology that deliver measurable improvements in public health
Dorothy Jones Award
Recognising outstanding contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within STEM
Rachel Carson Award
Recognising outstanding achievements in applied microbiology that deliver meaningful impact in environmental conservation
Basil Jarvis Award
Recognising outstanding achievements in applied microbiology that advance global food security and sustainable innovation
John Snow Early Career Excellence Award
Recognising outstanding early career achievements in applied microbiology that improve public health through innovation.
Rachel Carson Early Career Excellence Award
Recognising outstanding early career achievements in applied microbiology that make a meaningful impact on environmental conservation.
Basil Jarvis Early Career Excellence Award
Recognising outstanding early career achievements in applied microbiology that advance global food security and sustainable innovation.
Horizon Awards Winners 2026
Afua Acheampong
Afua Acheampong is a senior Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) leader, strategist and speaker with over eight years of experience advancing racial equity and inclusion across higher education, research and STEM.
Her work focuses on breaking down barriers, widening participation and improving opportunities for underrepresented groups. As former Head of the Black Internship Programme at Health Data Research UK, she led a national initiative supporting Black students and graduates in accessing careers in health data science.
Afua founded the Nottingham Trent University Black Leadership Programme, which has supported over 800 Black students in developing leadership skills and confidence. She also helped Queen Mary University of London secure its first Race Equality Charter award and holds national advisory roles supporting racial equity in biomedical research.
Her achievements reflect an outstanding commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, creating meaningful opportunities and driving lasting institutional change to build a more inclusive and representative STEM community.
Professor Chris Greening
Professor Chris Greening is a microbiologist at Monash University, Australia, where he leads the CLIMB: Climate and Microbiology Research Unit and serves as Director of the Global Change Program.
His research focuses on harnessing the potential of microorganisms to address global challenges, including climate change, ecosystem sustainability and One Health. His pioneering work explores how microbes regulate greenhouse gases, sustain ecosystems and contribute to environmental and human health.
With over 180 peer-reviewed publications, Professor Greening has translated his research into real-world applications, including agricultural methane reduction programmes, pathogen surveillance systems and microbial conservation initiatives. His achievements include the 2023 Australian Prime Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year.
His work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to tackling global challenges through applied microbiology, delivering innovative solutions that benefit the environment, public health and society worldwide.
Professor Stephen Obaro
Professor Stephen Obaro is a Professor of Pediatrics and Senior Scientist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA, and founder of the International Foundation Against Infectious Diseases in Nigeria (IFAIN).
His research focuses on reducing preventable childhood deaths from infectious diseases and strengthening healthcare systems, particularly across Africa. With over two decades of experience, his work addresses major global health challenges, including pneumonia, typhoid fever, antimicrobial resistance and emerging infectious threats.
Professor Obaro's research in West Africa has helped inform global vaccine development, disease surveillance strategies and clinical guidelines. Through IFAIN, he has also worked to strengthen research capacity, support emerging scientists and translate scientific evidence into practical healthcare solutions.
His achievements reflect an outstanding commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research, policy and practice, driving meaningful improvements in public health and helping to build stronger, more resilient healthcare systems worldwide.
Professor James Ebdon
Professor James Ebdon is an environmental microbiologist at the University of Brighton, UK, where he co-directs research within the Centre for Environment and Society.
His research focuses on the role of water and sanitation in the spread and prevention of water-related diseases, using bacteriophages and microbial indicators to address global public health challenges.
With over 25 years of experience, Professor Ebdon has led international research projects across India, Malawi, Nepal and Bangladesh, helping to improve water safety, identify sources of contamination and strengthen sanitation practices in vulnerable communities.
His achievements reflect an outstanding commitment to advancing public health through applied microbiology, delivering practical solutions that improve access to safe water, reduce disease risks and support sustainable sanitation systems worldwide.
Professor Marciane Magnani
Professor Marciane Magnani is a Professor of Food Science at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Brazil, specialising in food microbiology, food safety, predictive microbiology and sustainable food systems.
Her research combines microbial ecology, fermentation and One Health approaches to advance food security, improve food safety and promote the sustainable use of native biodiversity. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications, Professor Magnani is an internationally recognised researcher who contributes to global food safety initiatives through her work with FAO/WHO expert committees and international scientific networks.
Her achievements reflect an outstanding commitment to advancing food security and sustainable innovation through applied microbiology.
Professor Jack Gilbert
Professor Jack Gilbert is a Professor in Pediatrics and at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, where he also serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for Marine Science.
A pioneer in microbial ecology, his research explores the role of microorganisms in environmental conservation, ecosystem resilience and biodiversity, using microbiology to advance sustainable management and restoration practices.
With over 450 peer-reviewed publications, Professor Gilbert co-founded the Earth Microbiome Project and American Gut Project. He is also Co-Chair of the IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group and a former President of Applied Microbiology International.
His achievements reflect an outstanding commitment to advancing environmental conservation through innovative applications of microbiology, supporting the protection and restoration of ecosystems worldwide.
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