Award for innovative graduates

Agricultural Science Association and Kerry Group hope a new award will help Irish graduates develop new food technologies.

The Novus award is focused on promoting science-based excellence and innovation and rewarding high achievement by graduates working across the entire spectrum of agriculture and food. It is open to graduates who are full or associate members of the ASA at the time of application for the award.

Kerry Group chief executive, Stan McCarthy, said success in the global food industry demands a relentless focus on innovation.

“Technologies, not even dreamt of a decade ago, are now widely impacting developments across the food chain and increasingly Irish graduates are among those leading this evolution and revolution,” he added.

Announcing details of the award, ASA president Eoin Lowry said it offers a real opportunity to recognise and develop graduates who are acknowledged by their peers as current or future leaders and role models within the agri-food and bioscience professions.

The Novus winner will attend a four-day Harvard Business School Agribusiness seminar in Boston, US, in January 2016. The prize is valued at €10,000.

Details on Novus awards are posted on www.asaireland.ie. The closing date for applications is May 1.