IULTCS opens applications for the 2027 Young Leather Scientist Grants

The International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) has opened applications for the 2027 Young Leather Scientist Grants (YLSG), an international grant program dedicated to students and young researchers who wish to contribute to the scientific and technological development of the tanning industry.
The initiative aims to promote the innovative ideas of the next generation by offering financial support, international visibility, and the opportunity to network with experts and professionals in the sector. Selected projects may also be presented at an IULTCS conference.
The call for proposals includes three funding categories. The first, dedicated to basic research on leather, provides up to 1,500 euros for studies on collagen, leather chemistry, analytical methods, process innovation, and conservation. The second category, called the Prof. Mike Redwood Sustainability and Environmental Research Award, awards 1,000 euros to projects focused on sustainable tanning, environmental technologies, waste management, green chemistry, and reducing environmental impact. The third category, dedicated to machinery and digitalization solutions, provides 1,000 euros in funding for proposals related to automation, machinery development, process optimization, data analysis, and quality control technologies.
Eligible applicants include students and early-career researchers under the age of 35 who are affiliated with a university or tanning school and supported by an academic supervisor. Submitted projects must be original and address areas of interest in leather science and technology.
The deadline for submitting applications is November 30, 2026. Winners will be announced on January 30, 2027.

Applications must be sent to the email address [email protected]. The complete rules and information on the research categories are available on the IULTCS IUR Research Commission website.
Through this program, IULTCS invites young talents from around the world to share their ideas with the international leather community, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for an increasingly efficient and sustainable supply chain.