SSIB Career Awards are intended to honor the distinguished careers of those making significant contributions to the field of ingestive behavior. Nominations are solicted annually via email for each award. Nominations should be submitted to info@ssib.org by February 27, 2026.
The Alan N. Epstein Research Award is endowed by Professor Epstein’s family in his memory. Alan Epstein (1932-1992) was for many years a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, a distinguished researcher in ingestive behavior and SSIB's 4th President. In keeping with Alan’s scientific vision, this award honors an individual for a specific research discovery that has advanced the understanding of ingestive behavior. Members of SSIB who are less than 16 years beyond the date of their highest degree are eligible. *Please note that due to hardships imposed by the pandemic, we have extended the eligibility window to 16 years from PhD at the time of submission. The Award consists of a plaque, a check for 750 USD, and an invitation to speak during the Awards Symposium at the SSIB Annual Meeting.
Although these SSIB recognitions are not traditional research project grants, the competitive awards and travel recognitions are judged similarly to research funding — based on scientific quality and impact. Here are the key predictors of success:
🎯 1. Scientific Quality & Originality
For research-linked awards (e.g., Alan N. Epstein or Hoebel Prize), reviewers look for novel findings or breakthrough insights that significantly advance understanding of ingestive behavior mechanisms, psychology, neurobiology, or social influences. ssib.org
Success tips:
✔ Clearly articulate the problem, hypothesis, and contribution of your research.
✔ Emphasize innovation and how your work fills gaps in the literature.
📊 2. Strong Abstracts and Presentations
For conference awards and travel support, the quality of the abstract, clarity of research design, and strength of results or insight are decisive. ssib.org
Success tips:
✔ Ensure abstracts are well structured (background → methods → results → impact).
✔ Highlight key findings and their significance to ingestive behavior science.
👩🔬 3. Research Relevance to Ingestive Behavior
SSIB reviewers favor work that ties directly to the biological, psychological, or social determinants of eating and drinking — such as neural control of intake, appetite regulation, reward pathways, behavioral influences on food choice, or fluid homeostasis. ssib.org
Success tips:
✔ Make explicit the relevance of your work to ingestive behavior models or theory.
📚 4. Investigator Potential & Track Record
For early-career honors (e.g., Alan N. Epstein Research Award), reviewers consider the candidate’s potential and productivity — such as publications, talks, and contributions to the field. ssib.org
Success tips:
✔ Summarize publications, presentations, and impactful collaborations.
✔ Frame the narrative to show clarity of independent research direction.
🤝 5. Engagement With SSIB Community
Many awards are limited to SSIB members or require involvement in SSIB activities (e.g., conference attendance, reviewing abstracts). ssib.org
Success tips:
✔ Join SSIB early in your career.
✔ Present regularly and participate in symposia or committees.
📈 6. Clear Communication & Writing
Reviewers often assess presentations and award nominations based on clarity, logical flow, and concise communication — especially critical for abstract-linked travel awards. ssib.org
Success tips:
✔ Avoid jargon when possible and keep the narrative accessible to a multi-disciplinary audience.
| Award Type | Key Predictors of Success |
|---|---|
| Career & Research Awards | Novelty, impact, strong research contribution |
| Presentation Awards | Abstract clarity, methodological rigor, results insight |
| Travel Awards | Scientific merit of proposed presentation |
| Early Investigator Recognition | Track record, potential, mentoring support |
Members of SSIB who are less than 16 years beyond the date of their highest degree are eligible.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 2111 Chestnut Ave Suite 145 Glenview, Illinois 60025
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Feb 27, 2026
Feb 27, 2026
$750
Affiliation: Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior
Address: 2111 Chestnut Ave Suite 145 Glenview, Illinois 60025
Website URL: https://www.ssib.org/web/awards.php
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