Cepi, in partnership with EUCEPA (the European Liaison Committee for Pulp and Paper), invites researchers and young professionals working on innovative projects across the forest-based value chain to apply for the Blue Sky Young Researchers & Innovation Award Europe 2026 or the Blue Sky Pro Young Professionals Award Europe 2026 by 30 June 2026.
The two award categories recognise different types of innovation contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the forest-based sector:
- Blue Sky Young Researchers & Innovation Award Europe 2026 focuses on research-driven innovation, including scientific research, emerging technologies, novel materials, breakthrough concepts, and experimental developments relevant to the forest-based sector.
- Blue Sky Pro Young Professionals Award Europe 2026 focuses on innovation put into practice, recognising young professionals implementing sustainable improvements, operational innovations, process optimisation, or technological developments in industrial and manufacturing environments.
Eligible projects may cover forest-based science, products using forest-based raw materials, pulp and paper production process improvements, sustainable manufacturing developments, or other innovations throughout the value chain.
The shortlisted candidates will:
- attend a personalised public speaking training with an experienced native English-speaking coach;
- present their research or innovation project during the Bioeconomy LAB exhibition in Brussels;
- network with an exclusive group of industry experts and representatives.
The laureates will automatically qualify for the global ICFPA Blue Sky contest in Brazil in 2027.
APPLY HERE: Blue Sky Young Researchers & Young Professionals Award Europe 2026