The International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) has announced the launch of the 2026 Young Leather Scientist Grants (YLSG), aimed at supporting early-career researchers in the field of leather science. By ILM.

Submissions are due by November 30, 2025. The awards recognise innovative research in three categories:

Basic Leather Research – €1,500 (sponsor to be confirmed), covering areas such as collagen studies, analytical method development, leather processing innovations and hide preservation.

Prof. Mike Redwood Sustainability/Environmental Research – €1,000 (sponsored by Leather Naturally), for projects on environmental technologies, sustainable processing, tannery waste management and eco-friendly chemical development
Machinery & Digitalisation Solutions – €1,000 (sponsored by Italprogetti), for advances in leather machinery, process optimisation, automation and quality control equipment.

Applicants must be under 35 at the time of submission, enrolled as a student or working as an early-career researcher at a university or leather school and supported by an academic advisor. Projects must be unpublished at the time of submission.
Applications will be judged on clarity, methodology, innovation, industry impact, and the qualifications of both applicant and advisor. Winners, selected by an international panel, will receive their awards and certify 2026cates in February 2026 and will present their work at a future IULTCS Congress.