Nominations close 01 June 2026. Following this, AMI's internal awards panel will evaluate the nominations and decide on a winner, which will be announced on 01 September.
The Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award recognises outstanding individuals who bridge the gap between applied microbiology, policy, and real-world implementation. Named in honour of Christiana Figueres’ global leadership in translating evidence into action, this award celebrates those who have gone beyond research to ensure microbiological insights meaningfully inform policy, practice, and decision-making. It recognises work that has shaped effective strategies, driven systemic change, and delivered measurable impact in addressing one or more of today’s most pressing global challenges.
The award is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and highlights the vital role of applied microbiology in informing sustainable development policy and turning scientific evidence into practical, scalable solutions.
Award benefits
The recipient of the Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award will receive:
- £3,000 in prize money
- A commemorative award recognising their achievement
- The opportunity to present or chair a session at an AMI conference, webinar, roundtable, or similar event
Horizon Awards nomination criteria
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Nominations for the 2026 Horizon Awards close on 01 June 2026.
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Nominees do not need to be AMI members.
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Nominators must hold an active AMI membership at the time of nomination, except for the Dorothy Jones Diversity & Inclusion Award and the Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award, for which AMI membership is not required.
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Self-nomination is permitted and encouraged, subject to the membership requirements above. This helps ensure individuals from all parts of the microbiology community have a fair opportunity to be recognised for their achievements.
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The following individuals are not eligible for nomination:
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Trustees of AMI
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AMI staff members
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Members of AMI’s Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee
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For each Horizon Award application, nominees will be asked to provide 100–250 words per question.
Applied Microbiology International is committed to recognising excellence across all areas of microbiology. We welcome nominations that reflect the diversity of the microbiology community and particularly encourage nominations from under-represented groups and from individuals with diverse or non-traditional career pathways.
To make a nomination, please use the NOMINATE button on this page.
AMI reserves the right to rescind any prize where there are reasonable grounds to do so. All nominators will be required to confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the nominee’s professional standing presents no confirmed or potential impediment to receiving the award.
Who should apply:
This award is open to individuals whose work demonstrates leadership in translating microbiological research into policy or practice, including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and interdisciplinary leaders.
Ideal candidates are those who:
- Engage in multidisciplinary, SDG-relevant work: Conduct research or applied work addressing one or more of the 17 SDGs, demonstrating understanding of complex, interconnected global challenges.
- Translate research into policy and practice: Show a proven ability to convert microbiological evidence into actionable policy, regulation, guidance, or implementation, by working effectively with policymakers, stakeholders, or communities.
- Demonstrate measurable real-world impact: Provide evidence that their work has led to tangible improvements at local, national, or international levels.
- Exhibit leadership and innovation: Demonstrate leadership in shaping agendas, influencing decision-making, or inspiring change through innovative, policy-focused approaches.
- Commit to long-term sustainability: Show a clear vision for how their work contributes to sustained progress towards the SDGs and long-term systemic change.
The Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award celebrates individuals who ensure that microbiological knowledge does not remain confined to research, but actively shapes policy, implementation, and outcomes. It recognises leadership at the intersection of science and policy, where evidence informs action and applied microbiology contributes directly to a more sustainable and resilient future.