Call for Nominations: 2026 Class of Influential Researchers

The future of chemical engineering relies on the innovative thinkers who continually expand the field’s horizons. To celebrate the next generation of researchers shaping this future, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, the world’s most influential journal in chemical engineering, is launching a Call for Nominations to honor exceptional young researchers making groundbreaking contributions to the discipline.

We are seeking early-career scientists and engineers from around the globe who are driving transformative advancements in chemical engineering.

The deadline for nominations is April 20, 2026.

Eligibility

• Researchers within the first ten (10) years of their independent career (2016, independence defined as after postdoc appointments or last educational training).
• This award must be based on research done during the nominee’s independent career and cannot be based on research completed as part of their graduate education or post-doctoral training.
• Nominees must not have been recognized in previous Classes of Influential Researchers (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017).
• We encourage nominations of researchers from industrial, government, and university labs.
• Self-nominations are allowed.

Requirements

• Completed nomination form detailing name, position, institution, country, preferred topical section, year candidate’s independent career began, etc.
• A brief statement (about 200 words maximum) describing research contributions made during the nominee’s independent career and evidence of their influence fitting the goal of decarbonization.
• List of up to 5 contributions to research fitting the topic (publications, patents, reports, etc.) during their independent career.
• Website URL to a professional website, Google Scholar profile, ResearchGate, or Web of Science.

Additional Information

The selection committee will include I&EC Research editors and editorial advisory board members.

Each 2026 winner will be invited to submit an article to I&EC Research due by October 19, 2026, along with their photograph and bio sketch. If their article is accepted, each winner will receive an award certificate and be publicized by ACS Publications as a member of the 2026 Class of Influential Researchers. These articles will be collected in a Special Issue of I&EC Research highlighting the researchers and their work.