Food Studies Research Network

Emerging Scholar Awards

Each year a small number of Emerging Scholar Awards are given to outstanding early-career scholars or graduate students. The Award offers complimentary registration and Network Membership. It provides a robust professional development opportunity for early career academics to meet experts in the field, interact with colleagues from other parts of the world, and create networks and lasting connections. In our model, we have two kinds of Emerging Scholars -- In-Person and Online Only. Across all formats, Emerging Scholars play a critical role in the conference by leading discussions and chairing parallel sessions and are offered a publication pathway for their research. This way, we can provide maximum exposure for this selected group of researchers.

Applications are open to those pursuing research degrees, post- and graduate students, as well as early-career faculty.

To apply, follow the link below. You may also view further instructions by selecting our "Step-By-Step Guide."

Early Deadline: 24 February 2026
Final Deadline: 26 June 2026
Apply Now Step-by-Step Guide

In Their Words

It was such a tremendous learning experience as an emerging scholar at the Food Studies Conference. I enjoyed sharing my research with peers and industry professionals and I learned a lot listening to all the workshops and presentations.

Zoey Gong, 2022 Awardee

What I really enjoyed about participating in the conference as an emerging scholar was attending panel sessions that were not necessarily in my primary area of expertise or interest. Some of the presentations in the panels I moderated were in fact quite relevant to my surprise, and even the ones that weren’t were still super interesting and thought provoking, despite their disciplinary distance from my own research. I feel like I could truly appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of the conference in full because I was assigned to moderate panels that I probably wouldn’t have chosen to attend otherwise. The opportunity to network with other emerging scholars was also quite delightful, as the shared responsibility and experience bonded us better. I really enjoyed serving the conference as an emerging scholar and would love to return to future conferences."

Eunwoo Yoo, 2022 Awardee

It was an incredible experience to connect with scholars and professionals from various fields related to food studies. In addition, the conference gave me an excellent platform to showcase my research, receive invaluable feedback, and expand my network. As an Emerging Scholar, I could participate in interactive sessions and attend thought-provoking presentations that helped me gain new insights into the broader field of food studies. In addition, the Emerging Scholars program provided an excellent opportunity to engage with seasoned researchers and professionals in the field, exposing me to various publishing opportunities to showcase my research. Without hesitation, this experience has positively impacted my research and academic career, and I sincerely thank the Food Studies Research Network for allowing me this opportunity. I look forward to attending future conferences and supporting and encouraging other emerging scholars working in food studies."

Vaishali Sharma, 2022 Awardee

•••

Throughout my Food Studies scholarship period I have been given support and opportunities to learn, interact and enhance focused aspects of my research. Also, by sharing the academic environment with peers I have had the chance to exchange knowledge and sharpen skills. It has been a great pleasure to be part of it."

Ellen Gonzalez, 2022 Awardee

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