Meeting Grants

The SSM Encouragement Award is given to young investigators in the field of microbiology for achievements that are outstanding in terms of their originality and particular scientific value. Achievements in the field of teaching as well as research and development are taken into consideration as well. The Award is given for work that has been carried out in Switzerland or that is closely connected with our country.

Applications for the Award can be submitted by any member of the Society. Young individuals are also encouraged to apply themselves for the award. The winner is elected by the Executive Committee; its decisions in this respect remain strictly confidential. The Awardee is invited to present her/his work at the Annual Congress of the SSM.

For details, download the Swiss Society of Microbiology Encouragement Award – Rules (october 20, 2020) in English.

Criteria considered by the SSM committee with respect to the career stage for attributing awards:
– Scientific excellence (high impact in the field, grants and awards, etc.)
– Activities related to teaching (supervision, engagement in teaching, mentoring, etc.
– Contribution to Swiss microbiology (program organization, network)
– Activities related to Outreach/ ay communication
– Reference letter(s)
– Visibility/standing in the field
– Services (institutional, (inter)national, reviewing,..)
– Independance (research projects, grants, lab organization, administration)

Winners of SSM Encouragement Awards since 1996

2023 Alexander Harms
2017 Médéric Diard
2016 Gaël Panis
2015 Nicolas Jacquier
2013 Tobias J. Erb
2012 Silvio Brugger
2010 Michael Berney
2009 Socorro Mesa
2008 Bärbel Stecher
2007 Matthias Christen
2006 Thomas K. Meier
2005 Gabriella Pessi
2004 Martin K. Ackermann
2003 Patrick Viollier
2002 Annette Oxenius
2001 Urs Ochsner
1998 Guido Funke
1996 Linda Thöny-Meyer