Recognizing innovative research in metabolic disease and supporting emerging scientific leaders
The Mercodia Metabolic Research Award recognizes outstanding and innovative contributions within metabolic disease research spanning basic to clinical studies focused on hormone regulation.
Supporting emerging researchers and advancing scientific progress in a field of significant clinical relevance.
Apply for the award
For emerging researchers in metabolic disease
Annual international research award
Research grant of €50,000
One recipient
Application deadline:
15th January 2027
What is the mercodia metabolic research award
The Mercodia Metabolic Research Award is an annual international research award recognizing outstanding and innovative contributions to metabolic disease research, spanning basic to clinical studies focused on hormone regulation.
The award was established to highlight research that advances understanding of metabolic disorders and their diagnosis, treatment and prevention. By recognizing scientific excellence and originality, the award aims to support continued progress in a field of significant clinical and societal importance.
With a particular focus on emerging researchers, the award contributes to the development of future scientific leaders and strengthens the long-term advancement of metabolic research.
One recipient will receive a €50,000 research grant.
Who is the award for
The award is aimed at emerging researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and early career scientists working within metabolic disease research.
By supporting researchers at this career stage, Mercodia seeks to encourage continued scientific independence, innovation, and long-term engagement in metabolic research.
Scientific scope
Metabolic disease research, including:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- MASLD and MASH
- Related metabolic disorders
Spanning basic to clinical studies focused on hormone regulation.
Award facts
Award amount
€50,000
Frequency
Annual
Recipients
One recipient
Scope
Metabolic disease research
Application deadline
15th January 2027
Winner announcement
EISG meeting 2027
Award details and application
Application overview
Applications and nominations may be submitted either by the candidate or by third parties. All submissions are evaluated by an independent scientific committee based on scientific excellence, innovation, and potential impact within metabolic research.
Applications for the Mercodia Metabolic Research Innovation Award are now open and will close on 15th January 2027.
Evaluation criteria
Applications are assessed based on scientific quality and innovation, including publications, scientific impact, and citations.
The evaluation also considers originality, past and ongoing research, and the potential to advance understanding of metabolic disease and future therapeutic or diagnostic development.
Eligibility and documentation
Applicants must hold a PhD degree, provide a dated PhD certificate at the time of application, have at least three years of postdoctoral experience, and demonstrate a strong track record of research achievements supporting their readiness to work independently as a research leader.
The research shall be conducted in a public or private research organisation (host institution), which must be confirmed through a hosting agreement. The applicant does not need to be employed by the host institution at the time of application. However, the host institution must provide appropriate conditions for the applicant to independently lead the research and manage the award funding.
Each application or nomination must include a motivation letter describing the candidate’s research, its scientific relevance and future impact, a curriculum vitae (CV) including relevant publications, a letter of recommendation from a previous or current supervisor, and a one page project description outlining the proposed use of the award funding.
In summary, each application/nomination must include:
- Updated CV (including latest relevant publications)
- Letter of recommendation from previous or current supervisor
- Motivation statement
- Hosting agreement
- One page project description outlining the proposed use of the award funding
Evaluation committee
The award is evaluated by an international committee of leading experts in metabolic research. The committee members are selected to ensure scientific excellence, independence and broad representation across disciplines, institutions and geographical regions.
Nicolai Jacob Wewer Albrechtsen, MD, PhD
Copenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Dr Wewer Albrechtsen’s research focuses on the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, with particular emphasis on inter organ communication and gastrointestinal regulation of metabolism.
The research integrates biochemical measurement technologies to characterize metabolic dysfunction and identify shared disease mechanisms.
Advanced mass spectrometry based proteomics are applied to study human disease and explore clinical applications in diagnostics, prognostics and disease monitoring.
Amalia Gastaldelli, PhD
Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Pisa, Italy
Dr Gastaldelli’s research focuses on insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism, and the pathophysiology of obesity and metabolic liver disease.
The work combines clinical investigation with advanced metabolic phenotyping and multi-omics approaches to study disease mechanisms and identify relevant biomarkers.
Extensive involvement in international collaborative research contributes to advancing understanding of metabolic disease and supports translation of research findings into clinical practice.
Diego Balboa, PhD
University of Helsinki, Finland
Dr Balboa’s research focuses on stem cell derived islets and their application in disease modeling and cell based approaches for diabetes research.
The work combines stem cell models, single cell omics and genome editing technologies to identify regulatory mechanisms governing islet development and maturation.
In parallel, genetic models of diabetes are developed through precise genome editing, enabling investigation of disease mechanisms and improving the translational relevance of stem cell based systems.
For questions regarding eligibility, the application process, or the award, please get in touch with us using the form below. A member of our team will get back to you shortly.
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