Instruct-ERIC is a leading RI conducting cutting-edge research in all structural biology techniques. It provides transnational access to state-of-the-art facilities to enable scientists to conduct cutting-edge experiments from Europe and beyond.

Instruct has long championed the empowerment and development of early career researchers (ECR), bringing through new generations of elite scientists to continue excellent structural biology research. As such, the inaugural Early Career Researcher Award recognises ECRs in structural biology.

The award of Instruct-ERIC and Thermofisher, a technology leader in the development of cryo-electron microscopes, recognises outstanding scientific contributions of young investigators that establish an independent career.

The award will be presented at the Instruct Biennial Structural Biology Conference by a significant figure in the history of structural biology.

Nominations are invited for the Early Career Researcher Award 2026 for achievements in any area of integrated structural biology. Nominations must be submitted by 5pm (CET) 15 February 2026. Self-nominations are eligible, full details below.

The award will be given to a researcher with an established independent publication record, documented by at least three high quality publications as sole corresponding author.

The award is co-funded by Instruct and ThermoFisher Scientific.

Call Submission Guidelines

Eligible nominees:

Individual researchers whose work is conducted in the last 5 to 6 years. The recipients will have finished their PhD not longer than nine years prior to the award decision. Parental leave can prolong this period for one year per leave.

Nominees must be individual researchers whose work is conducted in a European institution in the last 5 to 6 years.

Nominations:

Nominations and self-nominations are eligible. A self-nomination must be supported by at least one researcher providing a letter of support.

The nomination must include:

1. The completed nomination form

2. CV of the proposed candidate

3. Statement (<150 words) from the proposer(s) indicating why the candidate should be considered for the award

Nominators will be required to register an Instruct account in order to submit a proposition for the award.

Selection of the Awardee:

A committee will be responsible for selecting the awardee from the nominees.

The award will be announced at the Instruct Biennial Structural Biology Conference 2026 (28-29 May).

The awardee wills receive an unrestricted grant of €10,000, a personalised certificate and will deliver a lecture at the Instruct Conference at the Marriott Hotel, Brussels, Belgium.