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Research awards

This page outlines further information about the research awards being offered at the National Nutrition & Dietetics Research Summit 2026. 

Background

  • Presenters were asked to self-nominate and answer eligibility questions in relation to the awards during the submission process. 
  • The top 5 submissions were shortlisted in each category based on responses to eligibility questions and reviewer scores for the original submission.
  • The shortlisted presenters will be notified of their position on the shortlist via email prior to the summit. 
  • The shortlisted presenters will be judged and scored on their presentation when they present in-person at the summit. 
  • Each presentation will be judged by two (2) judges.
  • The scores from both of the judges will be totalled. The presenter with the highest score in their category will win.
  • There will be one (1) winner and one (1) runner up in each category.
  • In the event of a tie, the panel will use the scores from the original reviewers to determine the winner. The presenter with the highest reviewer score will win.
  • Each winner will receive a certificate and a $100 Education Centre voucher.
  • The certificate will be awarded on the day in the awards presentation. The voucher will be emailed to the winners within five (5) business days of the summit.
  • To be eligible for an award, presenters must be a member of Dietitians Australia in the calendar year that the summit is held (2026). Non-members are not eligible for awards at this summit.
  • Presenters can only be shortlisted for one (1) award category. 
  • The awards are inspired by, but different to, the awards given at the Dietitians Australia national conference.

 

Description and eligibility

The information below outlines the description and eligibility criteria for each of the five (5) awards that will be offered at the summit. 

New researcher award (oral presentation)

  • Description: this award recognises an outstanding oral presentation from an early career researcher with no prior experience presenting at Dietitians Australia conferences or summits.
  • Eligibility:
    • Presenter must be a student or early career researcher with no prior experience presenting at a Dietitians Australia conference or summit
    • Research abstracts and Practice Innovation presentations are eligible
    • Presentation must be an oral presentation
    • Presenter must be a member of Dietitians Australia

 

Research in practice award (oral presentation)

  • Description: this award recognises an outstanding Practice Innovation submission that showcases an outstanding example of research being applied in practice.
  • Eligibility:
    • Presenter may be at any stage of their career with any amount of previous presenting experience at Dietitians Australia conferences or summits
    • Presenter should not be a mainstream academic (that is, must not work as an academic for the majority of their work)
    • Only Practice Innovation presentations are eligible
    • Presentation must be an oral presentation
    • Presenter must be a member of Dietitians Australia

 

Best overall research abstract (oral presentation)

  • Description: this award recognises quality research with sound methodology and excellent presentation.
  • Eligibility:
    • Presenter may be at any stage of their career with any amount of previous presenting experience at Dietitians Australia conferences or summits
    • Presenter should be a mainstream academic (that is, must work as an academic for the majority of their work)
    • Only research abstract presentations are eligible
    • Presentation must be an oral presentation
    • Presenter must be a member of Dietitians Australia

 

New researcher award (poster presentation)

  • Description: this award recognises an outstanding poster presentation from an early career researcher with no prior experience presenting at Dietitians Australia conferences or summits.
  • Eligibility:
    • Presenter must be a student or early career researcher with no prior experience presenting at a Dietitians Australia conference or summit
    • Research abstracts and Practice Innovation presentations are eligible
    • Presentation must be poster presentation
    • Presenter must be a member of Dietitians Australia

 

Best overall poster presentation

  • Description: this award recognises an outstanding poster presentation from a presenter at any stage of their career with any prior presenting experience.
  • Eligibility:
    • Presenter may be at any stage of their career with any amount of previous presenting experience at Dietitians Australia conferences or summits 
    • Research abstracts and Practice Innovation presentations are eligible
    • Presentation must be poster presentation
    • Presenter must be a member of Dietitians Australia

 

Scoring criteria 

Each judge will score the presentation against the following criteria. 

 

Unsatisfactory = 1 point

Fair = 2 points

Good = 3 points

Excellent = 4 points 

Score

1. Background, statement of problem and aim/s

Topic was introduced but the significance of the topic was not presented clearly. The aim was presented but lacks detail

Topic was introduced and the significance was mostly clear in the presentation. The aim was presented in some detail

Topic was introduced efficiently and there was clarity about its significance. The aim was mostly clearly articulated

Topic was introduced efficiently, with a high level of clarity about its significance.  The aim was very clearly articulated

 

2. Explanation of Methods and Results

Fair overview using mostly justifiable methods and appropriate results. Level of detail and timing may be improved

Fair overview using mostly justifiable methods. Presented a mostly appropriate explanation of results.

Very good overview using justifiable methods. Presented an appropriate explanation of results in a mostly succinct format.

Excellent overview using justifiable methods. Presented an appropriate explanation of results in a succinct format.

 

3. Appropriate Discussion and Conclusion

Mostly relevant discussion and conclusions; Draws in little to no relevant literature and provides a limited discussion of relevance to practice

Presented mostly relevant discussion and conclusions. Draws in some relevant literature and provides some discussion on relevance to practice

Presented insightful, mostly relevant and articulate discussion and conclusions. Regularly draws in relevant literature and provides clear discussion on relevance to practice

Presented highly insightful, relevant and articulate discussion and conclusions. Readily draws in relevant literature and provides very clear discussion on relevance to practice

 

4. Audio visuals, Presentation Skills and Response to Questions

Audio-visual aids are too busy/or brief or do not add value to the presentation. Limited audience engagement and attempts to respond to questions are unclear or irrelevant

Audio-visual aids support presentation. Some engagement via presentation skills; including responding well to questions

Very good audio-visual aids that add value to the presentation. Demonstrated mostly engaging presentation skills; including relevant response to questions

High quality audio-visual aids that add significant value to the presentation. Demonstrated highly engaging presentation skills; including well-articulated and relevant responses to questions

 

5. Clarity of overall presentation and time keeping

Presentation lacked clarity and / or was significantly over or under time

Presentation was mostly clear and close to time

Very good clarity of presentation and kept to time

Excellent clarity of presentation and kept to time

 

Reviewer’s Name:_____________________________________________________                                                                                                                                          TOTAL