The award enables TIAFT member awardees to travel to the next Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) annual meeting. This represents an exciting collaboration and reciprocal relationship with SOFT in the USA. Full details and procedure can be found here: TIAFT Huestis & Smith Award procedure.
Award 2026
The deadline to submit your TIAFT Huestis & Smith Award application is set for March, 30th 2026.
Eligible Persons
To be eligible for this award, an applicant must:
- Be a TIAFT member in good standing for at least three years at the application deadline (or one year for a student member);
- Submit a SOFT-compatible abstract as part of the application;
- Demonstrate financial need and explain the importance of attending the SOFT meeting;
- Commit to attending all scientific sessions, poster sessions, business meetings, social events, the farewell banquet, and any registered workshops at the SOFT meeting.
Applications
- Prepare your abstract. As part of the application process, you must prepare a scientific abstract that meets SOFT’s submission guidelines. This abstract shall be included with your TIAFT application, but should not be submitted to SOFT directly at this stage.
- Complete the application form. Fill out the official TIAFT application form. Applications must be submitted by March 30th 2026.
- Notification and abstract submission. If you are selected for the award, you will be notified about additional instructions regarding official submission of your abstract to SOFT.
Evaluation criteria
A maximum of three awards will be given each year.
Elements that will be used to assess the application are:
- Length of TIAFT membership meets eligibility criteria;
- Abstract quality;
- Priority will be given to members who have not previously attended a SOFT-exclusive meeting;
- Justification for the importance of attending the SOFT meeting;
- Active participation in TIAFT/SOFT educational events, including TIAFT meetings, webinars, lectures, regional meetings, and legacy lectures;
- Explanation of the financial assistance that is requested, along with a clear rationale for the need for this support.
Award
The award provides financial assistance, including:
- Round-trip travel to the SOFT Annual Meeting in the USA. Please check Visa requirements and any associated travel restrictions prior to applying;
- Accommodation for the duration of the meeting;
- Early bird registration fees, including access to the networking excursion and President’s Banquet;
- A $300 USD allowance for meals and incidentals not covered by the registration fee.
Award recipients will also be recognised at the SOFT and TIAFT business meetings and on the organisations’ websites.
Reporting Requirements
Award recipients are required to:
- Attend all all scientific sessions, poster sessions, business meetings, social events, the farewell banquet, and any registered workshops at the SOFT meeting;
- Submit a report to the TIAFT Bulletin describing the value gained from the experience.
Notification of Awardee
Successful applicants will be notified prior to the SOFT abstract deadline. The next SOFT Annual Meeting will be held 19-24 September, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Details here: SOFT Annual Meeting information
Good luck!
Previous awardees
- 2025 – Jari Rubbens (Belgium), Karolina Nowak (Poland) and Aslı Atasoy Aydin (Turkey)