Celebrating the next generation of innovators in infectious diseases
Following the success of the 2025 Future Leaders, touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES is delighted to launch nominations for the Future Leaders 2026 initiative.
The infectious diseases landscape continues to evolve rapidly, driven by emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, advances in vaccination and diagnostics, and an increasing need for global collaboration. As the specialty adapts to these challenges, supporting and championing the next generation of clinicians and researchers has never been more important.
This annual initiative recognises early-career clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals who are making meaningful contributions to the field of infectious diseases through clinical excellence, research, education, advocacy and innovation.
👉 Submit your nomination using the form below
To complete the nomination form, please register or log in to your touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES account.
Why nominate a rising star?
Global professional visibility
Featured across the touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES platform, including website coverage, newsletters and social media promotion to our international community of clinicians, researchers and industry professionals.
Formal recognition
An official touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES Future Leader 2026 certificate and digital LinkedIn badge.
Thought-leadership opportunities
Invitations to contribute to expert commentary, panel discussions, interviews and congress coverage, positioning them as emerging voices within the neurology community.
Long-term engagement
Inclusion within the touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES Future Leaders network, fostering collaboration and continued visibility beyond 2026.
Nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Age requirement: Candidates must be 40 years of age or younger at the time of nomination. An extension of up to four years may be applied to account for career interruptions, including illness, parental leave or significant caregiving responsibilities.
- Academic contribution: Candidates must have at least one publication as first, corresponding or last author in a PubMed-indexed journal or Q1-ranked journal (Clarivate JCR 2024 or equivalent).
- Career stage: Candidates may be at any stage from trainee or clinical fellow through to senior lecturer or associate professor. Individuals holding a full professor title are not eligible.
- Field of work: Candidates must be actively engaged in clinical practice, translational or basic research, education or advocacy within neurology.
- Professional standing: Candidates should demonstrate evidence of leadership potential, innovation or meaningful contributions to their subspecialty or the broader neurology community. Participation in international congresses, scientific committees or professional societies is highly desirable.
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