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Maison G de Navarre Young Scientist Essay Prize

First awarded in 1988, this prize is now awarded annually to enable a young cosmetic scientist to attend an IFSCC Congress. The 2024 prize will be an invitation to attend the 2024 IFSCC Congress in Igazu Falls, Brazil, with the cost of travel, accommodation and registration fees up to, but not exceeding, 5000 Swiss Francs, being reimbursed by the IFSCC. Any member of a member society of the IFSCC may apply, if they are no more than 35 years of age when they submit their essay (note: this means the Author can be 35 years, 364 days old when they submit their essay).

Applicants should submit an essay of between 500 and 3,000 words on one of five topics chosen below. The winner is determined by Committee, which receives blinded copies of all submitted essays. Starting in 2024, the top three essays chosen by the prize committee will undergo virtual interviews with questions on their essays. These interviews will be conducted by a group of members of the IFSCC Praesidium. The individual who provides the most exceptional answers, as collectively agreed upon by the prize committee, will then be declared the winner.

Here are the topics for the 2024 prize:

  • The Impact of Technology on Beauty Products: Explore how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, the use of skin devices or augmented reality, are influencing the development and marketing of cosmetic products. Discuss innovations like personalized skincare routines, virtual try-on experiences, or AI-driven product recommendations.  
  • Sustainability and Circular Economy in Cosmetic Formulations: Investigate the growing emphasis on sustainability within the beauty industry, focusing on environmentally friendly formulations, biodegradable packaging, and the adoption of circular economy principles. Analyse how cosmetic companies are integrating eco-friendly practices into their product life cycles.
  • The Role of Microbiome Research in Skincare: Examine the increasing interest in microbiome research and its implications for skincare formulations. Explore how probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are being incorporated into cosmetic products to promote skin health and address various dermatological concerns.
  • Inclusive Beauty – Addressing Diversity in Cosmetic Science: Discuss the industry’s efforts to embrace diversity and inclusivity in product development, marketing, and representation. Explore the formulation of cosmetics that cater to a broader range of skin tones, hair types, and cultural preferences, and analyse the impact on consumer perception. 
  • Psycho-Cosmetics – Exploring the Psychology of Beauty: Delve into the psychological aspects of beauty and skincare, investigating how sensory experiences, aromatherapy, and emotional well-being contribute to consumer preferences. Explore the concept of “psycho-cosmetics” and its influence on product design, marketing strategies, and overall consumer satisfaction.

The applicant enters the competition by emailing a copy of the essay (in english only) and the entry form by Monday 1 April 2024 to secretariat@ifscc.org (subject line:  MGdN 2024 submission)– cc’ing the office of the Member Society to which the applicant belongs. The winner will be announced at the end of June 2024.

Applicants must be members of good standing in their Society, which in turn must be current in its Federation subscription.

Note that the Award winner must attend the Congress and accept the Prize in person.

Dr Marta Gonçalves from of the Department of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering at Korea’s Sungkyunkwan University has been selected as the winner of the IFSCC 2023 Maison G de Navarre Young Scientist Essay Prize. Dr Gonçalves completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Porto and her master’s degree at the University of Lisbon in Portugal before moving to Korea’s Sungkyunkwan’s Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (SAINT) to complete her doctoral studies.

The winner of the 2021 IFSCC Maison G de Navarre Young Scientist Essay Prize is Jin Hui Zuo of China (Shanghai Pechoin Daily Chemical Co Ltd). He was presented with his award virtually at the 2021 IFSCC virtual Cancun Conference in 2021. A formal award presentation will be done at the 2022 IFSCC Congress in London.

The winner of the 2019 IFSCC Maison G de Navarre Young Scientist Essay Prize was Yan Liu of China (Shanghai Pechoin Daily Chemical Co Ltd). He was presented with his award at the 2019 IFSCC Conference in Milan.

Here are the most recent winning essays:

2023 Maison G de Navarre Winning Essay – Dr Marta Gonçalves

2021 Maison G de Navarre Winning Essay – Jin Hui Zuo

2019 Maison G de Navarre Winning Essay – Yan Liu

2017 Maison G de Navarre Winning Essay – Franziska Wandry

2015 Maison G de Navarre Winning Essay – C. Amata

Complete list of Winners:

2023: Dr Marta Gonçalves, Portugal/Korea

2021: Jin Hui Zuo, China

2019: Yan Liu, China

2017: Franziska Wandrey, Switzerland

2015: Chaikriangkrai Amata, Japan

2013: Mauricio Guzman Alsonso, Colombia

2011: Pinky Purohit, USA

2009: Adrien Cousy, Australia

2008: not awarded

2007: Muchaneta Mutasa, South Africa

2006: Megan Jones, South Africa

2005: Paola Perugini, Italy

2004: John Jiménez, Colombia

2003: Jong-Won Shim, Korea

2002: Kerryn Greive, Australia

2001: Rosina Pelosi, Australia

2000: Katherine Brasier, Australia

1999: Martin Krause, Germany

1998: Karen Rogers, USA

1997: Andrea Weber, Germany

1996: Matthias Vey, Germany

1995: Annette Bonfert, Germany

1994: Jeanetta du Plessis, South Africa

1993: Michael Adeney, Australia

1992: not awarded

1991: Lan Hester, USA

1990: Antonio Tsi, Spain

1989: Birgit Hofmann, Germany

1988: Janet Castandea, USA

1987: Brian Parker, Ireland