Technical and scientific developments help to give our industry its competitive edge and we are fortunate to have many talented technologists / scientists working within our sector. This award will recognise someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the food and drink sector.
Nominees must:
- Be currently employed within the UK food and drink manufacturing sector
- Have contributed to product development over a sustained period or be a promising new entrant to the industry who has led at least one significant project
- Be a positive role model/ambassador within the company and externally
- Go 'above and beyond' as an exceptional employee in both their work and behaviours
This category is proudly sponsored by:
IFST is the UK’s leading professional body for those involved in all aspects of food science and technology. They are an internationally respected independent membership body, supporting food professionals through knowledge sharing and professional recognition. Their membership comprises individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, from students to experts, working across a wide range of disciplines within the sector. Learn more: https://www.ifst.org/
Have you considered...
...entering for other awards?
Submit your entry
The entry deadline has been extended to 11.59pm Wednesday 20 April for these categories only:
- Digital Transformation
- Emerging Business
- Manufacturing Initiative
- Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist of the Year
Entry has now closed for all other categories. Keep an eye out for the shortlist announcement in Summer!
Previous winners

Case Study
Food and Drink Technologist / Scientist of the Year 2021 - Stella Cochrane - Unilever UK & Ireland
Dr Stella Cochrane is a Science Leader in Allergy and Immunology in Unilever’s Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC).

Case Study
Food and Drink Technologist / Scientist of the Year 2021 - Mark Auty, RSSL
Mark Auty is a pioneer food microstructure scientist and a leader in his field, with an international reputation for food structure research.

Case Study
Food and Drink Scientist of the Year 2020
Dr Steven Muir is working on a project with Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS) to ascertain the genetic value of parent plants that will ultimately be selected for crossings, regarding desirable phenotypic traits.

Case Study
Food and Drink Scientist of the Year 2019
David Clark, KP Snacks is a Development Manager who has worked for KP Snacks since 1987. He plays a key lead role in new product and process development work in our business.

Case Study
Food and Drink Scientist of the Year 2018
Simon Flanagan, Research Principal, RSSL