Emeritus Award
Richard Merkal Memorial Fellowship
Helping Hand Fellowships
IAP Service Award

Deadline for nominations:

March 16, 2026

Announcement of awards:

March 30, 2026

Emeritus
Award

The status of Emeritus member of the IAP has the goal of acknowledging the merits of long-standing members that have retired but are still members of the association and that have made significant contributions to the goals of the Association. In order to continue fulfilling this objective for the 17th ICP, the IAP launches a call for nominations according to the following guidelines.

Award contents:

One award will be granted based on quality of nominees.

The award will include:

  • free full registration for the 17th ICP

  • free lifelong IAP membership
  • Up to US$1000.00 reimbursement for travel expenses (payable on arrival at the 17th ICP)
  • a certificate
  • a plate or plaque

Nominations must be written by an IAP member in good standing and should contain information on the nominees including the following points to be evaluated in order of decreasing importance:

  • Scientific merits

  • Qualitative (importance of knowledge generated on Map-related issues)

  • Quantitative (number of papers produced, years working on paratuberculosis)

  • Responsibilities

  • National (positions held, advisory committees, researcher training, services provided, meetings organized, etc.)

  • International (positions held, advisory committees, researcher training, services provided, meetings organized, etc.)

  • IAP involvement

  • National representation, offices held, colloquia organization, newsletter contributions, etc.

  • Other

  • Other merits not specified above

Guidelines for Submission

Nominations should be sent by e-mail to the Secretary-Treasurer of the IAP (adel.talaat@wisc.edu), and must include a letter and a CV containing all the information necessary for evaluation of the nominee as stated above. This document shall be an attached Word or Adobe pdf file blocked for changes.  The IAP Member Support and Recognition Committee will evaluate the applications in the name of the IAP and its decisions are final.

Richard
Merkal
Memorial
Fellowship

The Association will provide funding for the participation of one graduate student to attend the Colloquium of the Association. Selection will be based on potential for future contributions to the field and scientific merit of a submitted abstract. Funding will include air fare, lodging, general registration and a per diem for meals. All applicants must be members of the Association or sponsored by a member of the Association. The fellowships will not be open to applicants having residence in the same country in which the Colloquium is being held.

Award contents:

One award will be granted based on quality of nominees.

The award will include:

  • free full registration for the 17th ICP

  • Reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses, and a per diem for meals. (Maximum reimbursement not to exceed US$3000.)

  • a certificate

  • a plate

Guidelines for Submission

Applications should be sent by e-mail addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer of the IAP (adel.talaat@wisc.edu), and must include the completed forms provided in the call for applications as an attached Word or Adobe pdf file blocked for changes. The IAP Member Support and Recognition Committee will evaluate the applications in the name of the IAP and its decisions are final.

Helping
Hand
Fellowships

The Association, based on the availability of funds and as determined by the Governing Board, will provide funding for up to 2 individuals from lower income countries to participate in each Colloquium of The Association. Selection of these individuals will be based on the economic status of the individual’s country of origin, a written statement of interest in paratuberculosis, potential for future contributions to the field, and scientific merit of a submitted abstract if one has been submitted (abstract submission is not required).

Program specifications:

Up to 2 awards will be granted based on the number and quality of applicants and the available funds.

Each award will include:

  • free full registration for the 17th ICP

  • free IAP membership for 2026 and 2027

  • US$1000 stipend for travel expenses (payable in cash on arrival at the 17 ICP)

  • a certificate

Criteria (listed in order of decreasing importance):

  • Country of origin: Strong preference will be given to applicants currently residing in countries not considered “high income” based on the website of the World Bank (https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/23628). Applicants originally from countries not considered “high income” but currently residing in “high income” countries will be considered only in the case that there were not enough candidates from the first category.

  • Statement of purpose: The applicant must provide a written statement (in English) explaining their interest and experience in paratuberculosis, what they know of the paratuberculosis situation in their country, and why they would like to attend the 17th ICP.

  • 17 ICP abstract: An abstract for a presentation at the 17th ICP concerning any aspect of paratuberculosis is mandatory for applicants from countries that have already received two or more HH awards during the last 5 year period. For applicants from other countries, an abstract would be positively considered but is not mandatory.

  • Applicant status: Applicants may or not be members of the IAP. If they are not, they must be nominated by a member in good standing for the last 5 years.

  • Young researchers are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized. Senior candidates will be considered only if there are not enough qualified junior applicants.

  • Repeat awards: The number of times that the same person can receive an HH award is 3 in order to reach a broader range of researchers. In case of a tie, applicants that have already received an H&H award will have lower priority than those not having received any.

  • Number of awards per country: No more than 2 awards will go to the same country while there are applicants from countries with fewer than that number of applications.

  • Number of awards to the same group/institution: Priority will be given to members of different groups. No more than 2 awards will go to the members of the same research group while there are applicants from other groups.

  • Up to two special HH awards could be granted for students from any country with an outstanding career and presenting a highly innovative abstract provided that there are not 2 successful applicants to the regular awards.

Guidelines for Submission

Applications should be sent by e-mail addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer of the IAP (adel.talaat@wisc.edu), and must include the filled in forms provided in the call as an attached Word or Adobe pdf file blocked for changes. The IAP Member Support and Recognition Committee will evaluate the applications in the name of the IAP and its decisions are final.

IAP Service
Award

The IAP is a non-profit organization devoted to the advancement of knowledge and scientific achievement toward the control of paratuberculosis in domestic livestock and other species affected by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

IAP Key focus areas are to::

  • Further the work of scientists studying paratuberculosis
  • Facilitate communication and cooperation among scientists
  • Bridge the gap between basic scientists and clinicians
  • Foster scientific freedom and responsibility
  • Improve the effectiveness of scientific achievement in the promotion of animal and human health
  • Advance education in paratuberculosis, encouraging new researchers to study this disease
  • Increase public understanding, awareness, and appreciation of the importance of diseases caused by M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis

The IAP Service Award is intended to recognize and acknowledge an IAP member who has demonstrated long-standing commitment and/or substantial contributions to the IAP by significantly advancing its goals, activities, and/or operation.

Award contents:

One award will be granted based on quality of nominees.

The award will include:

  • free full registration for the 17th ICP
  • Up to US$1000.00 reimbursement for travel expenses (payable on arrival at the 17th ICP)
  • a certificate

Nominations must be written by an IAP member in good standing and should contain information on the nominees including the following points to be evaluated in order of decreasing importance:

  • Role(s)/Position(s) held with the IAP

  • List position/role(s) held with the IAP indicating the years served (this can include serving as a Board of Director or Officer position, colloquia organized, newsletter contributions, etc.)
    (i.e., 2000-2002  Board of Directors)

  • IAP involvement

  • For each position/role listed above please describe the contributions that make this individual eligible for the IAP Service Award. Where applicable, incorporate key focus areas listed above in your response.

  • Other

  • Other contributions not specified above but that should be considered by the awards committee.

Guidelines for Submission

Nominations should be sent by e-mail to the Secretary-Treasurer of the IAP (adel.talaat@wisc.edu) and must include a letter and a CV containing all the information necessary for evaluation of the nominee as stated above. This document shall be an attached Word or Adobe pdf file blocked for changes.  The IAP Member Support and Recognition Committee will evaluate the applications and forward their recommendation to The IAP Board for final approval and its decisions are final.

.