The European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, is calling for applications for their joint Young Scientist Award 2026. The award recognises innovative and outstanding work by promising young professionals in the field of feline infectious diseases and/or applied immunology.
Certificate and congress of choice
The winner will receive a framed certificate and complimentary attendance to a scientific congress of choice, including travel expenses and accommodation. The selected event will be chosen in consultation with Boehringer Ingelheim, which will organize all reservations in agreement with the laureate.
Presentation at the World Feline Congress
The award will be presented during the World Feline Congress, taking place from 26 to 28 June 2026 in Wales, UK. The recipient is expected to give a short oral presentation and prepare a poster showcasing their findings at the congress. Registration, travel expenses and accommodation for this event will also be covered by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Eligibility
Applicants must have made an original contribution to the field of feline infectious diseases and/or immunology. The work must have been published or accepted for publication in a referenced journal or accepted by another assessing body, in 2023 or later.
Candidates should be based in Europe, have completed a veterinary or biomedical curriculum, and be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted in English in an electronic format. They should include a short abstract (max. 500 words) of the work the applicant wishes to submit, as well as a short curriculum vitae and two personal references. Any relevant publications and/or dissertation on the topic should be included. The deadline for submission is 15 March 2026.About the award
The Young Scientist Award was created in 2008 jointly by Boehringer Ingelheim (then Merial) and the ABCD. The 2025 recipient was Gabriele Ratti (Italy), for his work on emerging infectious threats in cats and their implications for veterinary and public health.
Further information
Application forms and detailed rules can be downloaded from the ABCD website: www.abcdcatsvets.org
For further information, please contact Karin de Lange, ABCD secretary: karin@abcdcatsvets.org
Notes to Editors:
- The European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) is an independent, self-governing and multi-sponsored panel of European experts in immunology, vaccinology and/or feline medicine. The ABCD was set up to compile guidelines for the prevention and management of major feline infectious diseases in Europe, based on current scientific knowledge. For more information, please visit www.abcdcatsvets.org
- Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the largest animal health business in the world, is the founding sponsor of the ABCD. For more information about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, please visit https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/animal-health.
