Introduction

The Klaas de Groot Award is a prestigious recognition by the ESB of scientists who have shown a distinct ability to provide excellent mentorship and guidance to young researchers, helping them to establish their own independent careers. We look for colleagues who have nurtured young talent as well as contributed to improving gender and racial diversity in the field and who have selflessly invested in this talent, creating next-generation biomaterials scientists in Europe. The award will be presented during the 35th Annual ESB conference (https://esb2026.org) in Antwerp, Belgium (7th-11th Sept 2026).

This award is given by the European Society for Biomaterials Council and consists of a plaque, a refund of the registration fee for the ESB conference, accommodation at the conference hotel for the duration of the conference, and an economy-class airplane or train ticket.

Nominations are due by Friday, 20th February 2026.

Please contact Sandra Van Vlierberghe (Sandra.VanVlierberghe@ugent.be) with any questions.

This form must be filled out completely and submitted, as it cannot be saved. We suggest using cut and paste from another saved document to prevent data loss. Please submit only one form per nominee. 

Information required to complete this form:

·  Name, email, address, and affiliation of the nominating ESB member.

· Name, email, address, and affiliation of the nominee.

·  A Curriculum Vitae of the nominee (maximum three pages), including education, membership of professional organizations, major honors/funding received, the main field of professional activity, and a list of the ten most relevant publications. 

· A statement describing the reason for nomination.