Nobody knows the value of patience more than those involved in Genomic Research. The painstaking efforts in research are transformed into tremendous success with perseverance and time. Sometimes the results may transform the very face of research. It is such transformational efforts that we wish to recognize through an exciting new award, Genomic Pioneers Award. The purpose of the Genomic Pioneers Award is to recognize excellence and outstanding contribution to the field of Genomics using integrated state-of-the-art approaches. The Award is funded by Ocimum Biosolutions. As Albert Szent-Gyorgyi a US biochemist said, “A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a prepared mind”.

The first edition of the Genomic Pioneers Award focuses on the excellence in using Oligonucleotides in advancing Genomic Research. Synthetic DNA Oligonucleotides now have wide spectrum of applications ranging from being used in fundamental research, as diagnostic reagents to discovery of pharmaceutical compounds. This makes it an integral part of any scientific research. The Award will be conferred to a practicing scientist who has demonstrated excellence through their novel use of Oligonucleotides in Functional Genomics. There are 3 Awards being constituted each one in the months of September 2008, November 2008 and January 2009.

If you are actively involved in research at a University, or other research institution in the public or private sector, or in Industry, you are eligible to participate in this Award. We also encourage early-career scientists (recent PhDs, Post Docs and New group leaders) to apply for this Award.

Besides the cash award (Rs. 1,00000 - India, € 3000 - Europe, $ 3000 - Asia Pacific) (Awarded directly to the recipient), a certificate of recognition is given to the Recipient. All the other (10) short listed candidates will be pre-selected for next year's nomination during which we will ask for an update on their research project.

So if you feel you or any of your research colleagues are eligible for this award, please fill up the online application form and mail it to us before 23:00 IST(India Applicants) September 20, 2008 and 23:00 EST(Europe and Asia Pacific Applicants) on September 20, 2008. No application after this will be entertained.

To refer to more details, Award time lines and Award terms and conditions, click here.

To fill up the Online Application Form, click here.