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 2025

Submit the TIAFT Huestis & Smith Award application by 5th May 2025.

Eligible Persons
To be eligible for this award, applicants must:
  1. Be TIAFT members in good standing for at least three years at the application deadline (or one year for student members.
  2. Submit a SOFT-compatible abstract as part of the application.
  3. Demonstrate financial need and explain the importance of attending the TIAFT meeting.
  4. 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 is 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 (TIAFT Huestis & Smith Award application form).

Submit Your Application: Applications must be submitted to TIAFT by 5th May 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Do not leave it until the last minute.

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
Elements that will be used to assess the application are:
  1. Length of TIAFT membership (to meet eligibility criteria)
  2. Abstract quality
  3. Priority will be given to members who have not previously attended a SOFT-exclusive meeting
  4. Justification for the importance of attending the SOFT meeting
  5. Active participation in TIAFT/SOFT educational events, including TIAFT meetings, webinars, lectures, regional meetings, and legacy lectures
  6. Explanation of the financial assistance that is requested, along with a clear rationale for the need for this support

A maximum of three awards will be given each year.

Award

The award provides financial assistance, including:

  1. Round-trip travel to the SOFT annual meeting in the USA (please check Visa requirements and any associated travel restrictions prior to applying).
  2. Accommodations for the duration of the meeting.
  3. Early bird registration fees, including access to the networking excursion and annual banquet.
  4. A $300 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 both 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 which is the 6th June 2025. The SOFT Annual Meeting will be held 26-31st October, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, USA. Details here: SOFT 2025 Annual Meeting information

Good luck!

Previous awardees