Nominations open on the 02 February 2026 and 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 2026. Only members can nominate for this award.
The WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize recognises applied microbiology that has delivered measurable, real-world impact across multiple global challenges.
The prize celebrates an individual, team, or organisation whose work has progressed beyond research or pilot activity to achieve tangible outcomes at scale, demonstrating impact across more than one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This award highlights applied microbiology initiatives whose systems, solutions, or approaches create integrated, cross-cutting benefits, reflecting the interconnected nature of global challenges and the broad societal value of applied microbiology.
The recipient of the award shall receive:
- £3000 in prize money
- A commemorative award recognising their achievement
- The opportunity to present or chair at an AMI conference, webinar, roundtable, or similar event
- Where the WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize is awarded to an individual, the recipient may be eligible to apply for the UK Global Talent visa, subject to Home Office criteria. (Where the prize is awarded to a group or organisation, it does not confer eligibility for the Global Talent visa. This applies to the WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize only).
Horizon Awards nomination criteria
-
Nominations for the 2026 Horizon Awards close on 01 June 2026.
-
Nominees do not need to be AMI members.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The following individuals are not eligible for nomination:
-
Trustees of AMI
-
AMI staff members
-
Members of AMI’s Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee
-
-
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:
- Researchers and Academics: Those involved in innovative research in applied microbiology, directly contributing to any of the UN SDGs.
- Innovators and Entrepreneurs: Individuals and companies that have developed microbiological solutions or technologies addressing global challenges.
- Interdisciplinary Collaborators: Scientists demonstrating successful collaboration across various scientific disciplines, using microbiology to solve complex global issues in line with the SDGs.
The work recognised by the WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize demonstrates how applied microbiology delivers real-world impact across a wide range of global challenges, often contributing to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
How this award aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Rather than focusing on a single theme, this award recognises applied microbiology whose impact extends across multiple contexts and operates at scale. Examples of how applied microbiology may contribute include:
Health and well-being (e.g. SDG 3)
Microbiology-led advances that improve disease prevention, treatment, surveillance, or health outcomes, including responses to infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance.
Food systems and nutrition (e.g. SDG 2)
Applied microbiology improving food safety, security, resilience, or sustainability across agricultural and food production systems.
Water, sanitation, and ecosystems (e.g. SDGs 6, 14, and 15)
Microbiological solutions supporting safe water access, sanitation, environmental remediation, and the protection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Industry, infrastructure, and innovation (e.g. SDG 9)
Microbiology embedded within industrial processes, technologies, or infrastructure that delivers long-term societal or environmental benefit.
Climate and sustainable energy (e.g. SDGs 7 and 13)
Work demonstrating the role of microorganisms in climate mitigation, adaptation, bioenergy, or sustainable resource management.
Together, these examples illustrate the breadth of global challenges addressed through applied microbiology. The WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize celebrates individuals, teams, and organisations whose work has achieved durable, real-world impact at scale, helping to address complex global challenges.