IFSCC International Education Support
The International Speaker Programme in honor of Johann Wiechers (ISP)
This is our oldest education programme and has been highly successful. The ISP brings well-regarded international speakers to IFSCC Member Societies.
A program available to all IFSCC Member Societies, the IFSCC’s International Speaker Programme in honor of Johann Wiechers (ISP) provides in-person Speakers for educational events at IFSCC Societies. The program originally reimbursed an IFSCC Member Society up to CHF 2,000 towards one Speakers’ airfare, and each Society could have one ISP every 48 months.
Request form
Program details
During the IFSCC 2022 Fall Praesidium Meetings the Praesidium voted to revise the ISP as follows:
- Travel reimbursement
Reimbursement of up to CHF 2,000 for all Speaker travel expenses: airfare, hotel, meals, and ground transportation. - Flexible Use of CHF 2,000 Speaker Fund
It is up to each Society to spend their CHF 2,000 allotment as they wish. A Society can invite a Speaker from half-way around the world, and use all of the CHF 2,000 towards one plane ticket. Or they can invite Speakers which require less expensive travel and have several speakers in the 24 month period. - Participation Criteria
Every IFSCC affiliated Society is eligible. - Request Frequency
Every IFSCC Member Society can request an ISP every 24 months (down from 48 months).
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Submit Your Speaker Request
Request form
To request a Speaker, fill out this revised IFSCC ISP request form. The further in advance your request is received, the better. You need time to find a venue, coordinate dates with the venue and Speaker, promote the event, etc. - Speaker selection
The IFSCC Education Committee will suggest Speaker(s) on the topics you request. - Reimbursement Process
A Society is reimbursed after the educational event, and after a properly completed expense reimbursement form is submitted with receipts. Exceptions can be made for Societies without the money to pay expenses in advance. - Speaker Identification Requirements
All Speakers supported by the IFSCC must be identified as such in the program, and an IFSCC logo included on the program. If possible, please allow 5 minutes for a short introduction on the IFSCC. - Headshot and Bio Requirements
If headshots, biographical information, etc. are included on other Speakers in the event program and/or promotional materials, the same must be done for IFSCC Speakers. - Event Details Submission
Photos of the Speaker at the event must be sent to the IFSCC Secretariat, along with information on the event (venue, date, title, number of Attendees, etc.) for the IFSCC newsletter and website, within 10 days of the event.
The technicalities did not change
How to request a speaker
IFSCC ISP Form
Request Your Speaker Today!
Enhance your Society’s educational impact! Apply for the Ecaterina Merica Cosmetic Education Programme and bring renowned experts to your community. Learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements today!
Submit your applicationIFSCC Global Education Initiatives
Education Programme Prize in honor of Ecaterina Merica
We started this exciting programme in 2009 in honour of Prof. Ecaterina Merica, a Romanian member scientist dedicated to bringing cosmetic science education to her country, who passed away in 2008.
Her message was that the education available to a scientist should not be based only on their country of origin.
Developed for societies in economically challenged countries (as defined by the United Nations), we offer two full-day courses taught by two workshop teachers, these workshops typically having 50-70 participants. The speakers teach workshops back-to-to back in two countries within the same zone. We have over 20 well renowned scientists as volunteer teachers for this important programme.
Here is the basic programme outline
- Day 1
Teachers arrive - Day 2
First workshop at first Society – dinner in evening - Day 3
Second workshop - Day 4
Teachers travel to second Society - Day 5
First workshop at second Society – dinner in evening - Day 6
Second workshop at second Society - Day 7
Teachers depart
Request form
Apply for the Education Programme Prize in honor of Ecaterina Merica
Enhance your Society’s educational impact! Apply for the Education Programme Prize in honor of Ecaterina Merica and bring renowned experts to your community. Learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements today!
Request form2020-2025 programme
Eligible Societies for the 2020-2025 Program
- Zone 1
Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia Federation, SCOAC, Slovakia, Turkey. - Zone 2
India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines. - Zone 3
Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
History of the programme
Societies where this programme has been run to date:
For the inaugural year of 2009 the programme was launched in all 3 zones to rave reviews.
- Zone 1
Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Portugal, Russia
- Zone 2
Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia
- Zone 3
Ecuador, Central America-Guatemala, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia, Chile
Highlights from the 2013 Education Programme Prize in honor of Ecaterina Merica in Russia and Romania
- 2013
In October 2013 the programme visited Russia and revisited Romania with Prof Randall Wickett from the University of Cincinnati as the expert focusing on Skin Biology and Advanced Skin Science. Randall Wickett is one of the world’s top lecturers in cosmetic science as well as being highly skilled in the evaluation of skin care products, skin and hair biochemistry and biophysics. - 7-8 October 2013, Russia
The programme in Russia was organised in association with Russia’s National Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NSCC) with support from the Perfumery and Cosmetics Association of Russia (PCAR).
The course, attended by 31 leading technologists and formulators working in Russian cosmetic and perfumery companies as well as testing laboratory experts, was a great success. The programme was challenging, providing a huge amount of information, and the audience listened intently and asked questions enthusiastically. All attendees were truly grateful to the IFSCC for organising the Ecaterina Programme in Russia. It is considered to be of great importance by all industry specialists and a valuable resource for anyone involved in the development, marketing and evaluation of cosmetic products, particularly those wanting to provide their clients with advanced products. - 10-11 October 2013, Romania
The Ecaterina Programme began in Romania in 2009 so this was the second time it had been welcomed by the Romanian Society of Cosmetic Chemists (RSCC). On this occasion the venue was the Technical University of Iasi. Of the 46 participating RSCC members, 14 had joined especially for this occasion. Most were from cosmetic companies but one pharmaceutical company and several universities were also represented.
The interactive character of Prof Wickett’s lectures, his entertaining verve, as well as the fact that the participants had already received the entire programme and the courrse content, made for a successful, useful and pleasant scientific event. It was a good opportunity for specialists to meet and exchange ideas, strengthening connections within the RSCC. The first day ended with a two-hour debate on the latest European and worldwide legislation regarding product claims and this fruitful discussion and relationship building continued into the dinner that followed.
Particular thanks from the RSCC also go the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Technical University ‘Gheorghe Asachi’ for providing full facilities and promoting the programme on the Faculty and University website. The event was also mentioned in the local press and national TV station TVR broadcast a short item from the course opening including interviews with Prof Wickett and RSCC President, Prof Maria Lungu.
Programme history details
Geographic Zones of Participation
Zone 1
2009, Romania and Bulgaria was held from 1-5 June.
The workshops were conducted by Dr. Johann Wiechers on Skin Delivery Systems and Dr. Luigi Rigano on Emulsions: Formulation and Development.
Bulgaria found numerous benefits.
Participation in the workshops was double the membership numbers. Their membership almost doubled and had the effect of revitalising the society. The strong scientific content was well appreciated and there are now requests to have more scientific information and interaction on a continual basis.
Zone 2
2009, Philippines and Indonesia was held from 28 September – 1 October.
The workshops were once again conducted by Dr Johann Wiechers on Skin Delivery Systems and Dr Luigi Rigano on Emulsions: Formulation and Development.
Similar benefits were found in the Philippines. There was a 60% increase in attendance for the workshops. New members joined and long lost members were returned to the fold. The workshops encouraged a strong cooperative exchange of scientific information among forum participants. The programme ended with foreign experts receiving a taste of Filipino hospitality through a ‘barrio fiesta’.
2012 – The workshops were conducted by Mr Perry Romanowski on Cosmetic Formulation and by Ms Judi Beerling on Natural & Organic Product Formulation
10-11 September 2012, Thailand
Benefits
- This programme provides the chance for our cosmetic scientists to meet specialist speakers with extensive experience.
- This programme helps in our cosmetic education. The speakers shared their valuable experience and stimulated useful discussion.
- Many of our cosmetic scientists never attend IFSCC conferences so from this programme they were able to recognise the organisation.
- This programme enhances contact between cosmetic scientists in Thailand and the IFSCC.
Customer feedback
13-14 September 2012, Malaysia
Benefits
- Participants are given a chance to understand the practice of international cosmetic chemists/scientists.
- Participants are able to exchange cosmetic science knowledge with the speakers.
- This programme helps to promote our society.
- Applications from non-members wanting to join were received.
Suggestions
- We received feedback from participants who would like to have more specific topics from specialists and they are willing to cover the costs.
- More information should be provided prior to the workshops so that we can determine the speaker’s needs and the category of participants/members best suited to take part in the workshop as different topics may suit different people.
Zone 3
Ecuador and Central America – Guatemala was held from 9-13 February.
The workshops were conducted by Dr. Luigi Rigano on Emulsions: Formulation and Development and Judi Beerling on How to Formulate with Naturals.
Ecuador SECQC and Central America both enrolled new members. Workshops were found to be interactive with a high scientific content fulfilling the Societies’ principle objective of providing knowledge for both students and professionals.
For 2010 and beyond the programme was modified to be according to need rather than offer offered in every zone each year.
Croatia held their workshops from 17-18 May. David Steinberg conducted both workshops with Day 1 on Cosmetic and Drug Regulations EU OTC and Day 2 on Sunscreens.
Peru and Uruguay was held from 16-20 August. The workshops were conducted by Dr. Luigi Rigano on Make-up products, formulation and development, Scaling up, and Cosmetics for Desequilibrium Skin while Dr. Tharwat Tadros covered Cosmetic Formulations, Colloid Aspects and Nano Dispersion for cosmetics and personal care applications.
Educational Award
Society Education Prize in honor of Lester Conrad
The Society Education Prize in honor of Lester Conrad is established to assist a Member Society in their Cosmetic Science education programme.
Starting 2025, the prize is presented every year at the IFSCC Congress for the best submission of a proposed programme by an eligible Member Society.
The amount of the prize is 8,000 Swiss Francs paid over 3 years.
Eligibility
Member Societies who have been affiliated with the Federation for at least one year, are current in their membership dues, and are in the second half of Members Societies as ranked using the IFSCC ranking methodology. A Member Society may receive the Prize up to two times.
Learn more about Lester ConradWho is Lester Conrad?
- Lester Conrad was a pioneering figure in the cosmetic science industry — a chemist, research scientist, self-taught engineer, and visionary business leader. He founded American Cholesterol Products, later known as Amerchol Corporation, and became a trailblazer in the derivatization of lanolin and glucose for emollient and surface active products, authoring over 20 publications and patents.
A dedicated advocate for global cosmetic science, Lester was a cornerstone of the IFSCC, serving as its President in 1967 and tirelessly working to expand its membership across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
In his memory, the Lester Conrad Award was established in 1980, recognizing member societies that demonstrate outstanding commitment to developing scientific activities in cosmetic science — a lasting tribute to his remarkable legacy.
Conditions
There is no formal application to be filled out for the Society Education Prize in honor of Lester Conrad.
- Details
Societies wishing to win this award explain (in an email or letter to secretariat@ifscc.org) how they would use the CHF 8,000 grant money over a 3 year period.
The prize is awarded to the Society with the best proposed educational program. The next Society Education Prize in honor of Lester Conrad will be awarded in 2026 at the IFSCC Perth Congress. The deadline to receive email submissions is 1 July (Central European Time). The winner will be notified end of July.
Here is a complete list of the Societies eligible for the IFSCC Society Education Prize in honor of Lester Conrad in 2026, based on the post-Cannes Congress rankings: Austria, Bulgaria, Central & West Africa-SCOAC, Central America-ACACC, Chile, Czech Republic, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Malaysia, Middle East Countries, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Romania, Scandinavia, Slovak Republic, Thailand, Uruguay, Venezuela.
From this list we exclude from consideration any Societies affiliated with the IFSCC less than 1 year, those which are not current in their Membership Dues, inactive Societies, and those Lester Conrad-winning Societies which are still holding programs.
- The New Zealand Society has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Society Education Prize in honour of Lester Conrad. The Praesidium voted it as the society presenting the strongest educational programme among this year’s applicants. The NZSCC has been a member of the IFSCC since 1986.
- Nigeria Society NICOS is the winner of our 2023 Society Education Prize in honor of Lester Conrad, having been voted by the Praesidium as the Society with the best proposed educational programme from this year’s applicants. NICOS joined the IFSCC in 2020, with Grace Abamba as Founding President.
- The 2021 Society Education Prize in honor of Lester Conrad was won by the Asociación Centroamericana de Ciencias Cosméticas, our Central American-affiliated Society. Due to the ongoing impact of COVID ACACC plans to hold their initial conferences virtually and will invite all Spanish-speaking IFSCC Member Societies to participate as well.
- The Bulgarian Society of Cosmetology won the 2019 Society Education Prize in honor of Lester Conrad. They attended the 2019 IFSCC Conference in Milan to accept their prize. They will be delivering two high-quality lectures a year 2020-2022 on a variety of topics of interest to their Membership, including the use of Bulgarian plants in cosmetics. IFSCC Past Secretary General Mary Lynn Halland called Dr Krastanka Marinova on 5 August 2019 to deliver the good news. Dr. Marinova said “the Bulgarian Society is very grateful to have this funding. We will now be able to carry out 3 years of wonderful seminars and, hopefully, build our Membership. Thank you, IFSCC.”
- On winning the 2017 prize, Manuel Li, President of the Asociación Peruana de Química Cosmética, based in Lima, Peru, said: “The support from the IFSCC will permit us to offer our Members 3 years of high-quality education we could not afford on our own. Also, we hope our outstanding programmes will attract new Members to our Society. Many thanks to the IFSCC for choosing us.”
Prize winners
Granted Awards
Awards made to date have been presented to the following Societies
- New Zealand in 2025
- Nigeria in 2023
- Central America in 2021
- Bulgaria in 2019
- Peru in 2017
- Hong Kong in 2013
- Indonesia in 2011
- India in 2009
- Ecuador in 2007
- Slovakia in 2005
- Romania in 2003
- Poland in 2001
- Croatia in 1999
- Argentina (again) in 1997
- Israel in 1995
- Uruguay in 1993
- Venezuela in 1991
- New Zealand in 1989
- Brazil in 1987
- Yugoslavia in 1985
- Argentina in 1983
- Czechoslovakia in 1981
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