Call for Applications to U.S. Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Award
CONTACT: Jamie Tiralla
comm@afandpa.org
WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and TAPPI announced, today, they are accepting applications for the U.S. segment of the Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Award.
The 2022-2023 theme is: Building a Lower Carbon Economy with Climate Positive Forestry and Forest Products. The international award recognizes students and young researchers who are passionate about forest-based science, forest-based products and innovations throughout the forest-sector value chain.
“Scientists and engineers are at the forefront of solving the world’s most pressing challenges. We are pleased to partner with TAPPI on the Blue Sky Awards to showcase young talent and research innovation in the forest products industry,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock.
The competition is open to students and researchers who are 30 years or younger on March 1, 2022. Applicants must be carrying out research and innovation projects relevant to forestry and the forest products industry, with links to academia, public or private research centers, and/or corporate research and innovation departments.
A panel of judges, including representatives from industry, research and academia, will select finalists for the U.S. competition. Applicants will be judged on their research and development, as well as the potential impact of their project has towards climate positive forestry and forest products, clean manufacturing and the forest bioeconomy.
The top finalist will receive $1,500 and an opportunity to present their research to U.S. forest products industry leaders at AF&PA’s Presidents Forum. The second and third place finalists will receive $500 each. Up to two U.S. candidates will be nominated to the international Blue Sky Award competition, which is sponsored by the International Council of Forest & Paper Associations (ICFPA).
The deadline for submissions is July 1, 2022. Applications must include a short CV, summary of the project and a letter of support. Blue Sky Award program details and full application criteria are available at afandpa.org/BlueSky.
About TAPPI (www.tappi.org)
TAPPI is the leading association for the worldwide pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and converting industries and publisher of Paper360°, Tissue360° and TAPPI Journal. Through information exchange, events, trusted content and networking opportunities, TAPPI helps members elevate their performance by providing solutions that lead to better, faster and more cost-effective ways of doing business. It has provided management training and networking to the industry’s leaders for more than 100 years.
About the International Council of Forest Products Associations (www.icfpa.org)
The ICFPA serves as a forum of global dialogue, coordination and co-operation. Currently, the ICFPA represents 18 pulp, paper, wood and fibre-based associations that encompass 28 countries, including many of the top pulp, paper and wood producers around the world.