The search is on for the next young scientist. Alltech has officially opened 2015-2016 registration for the largest global university-level competition that rewards scientific innovation and experimental research in agri-science.

This year marks a decade for the Alltech Young Scientist program, which saw more than 8,800 students register for the 2014-2015 term.

“In the last 10 years, we have seen students from across the globe exploring topics such as salmonella detection in meat and poultry to CO2-enriched wheat grain protein,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “These bright young minds are revolutionizing the way our industry approaches challenges, and Alltech is proud to promote these young leaders in their scientific pursuits.”

Regional winners will receive cash prizes and eight finalists will be invited to compete for top honors during Alltech’s annual international innovation conference in May 2016 in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. The graduate grand prize is $10,000 and the undergraduate grand prize is $5,000.

Students may submit scientific papers on topics such as animal science, crop science, food science, environmental science, food production economics, and aquaculture. Papers will be judged by a panel of industry professionals. Registration and paper submission is available online until Dec. 31, 2015.

In addition to direct student registration, the program now offers research organizations and university departments the opportunity to become Alltech Young Scientist affiliate partners. As an affiliate partner, the local competition winners are fast-tracked to the Alltech Young Scientist regional competitions and receive a range of academic and career-orientated benefits.