The International Sericultural Commission (ISC), an inter-governmental organization engaged in the global development of sericulture and silk industry, instituted the "Excellence in Sericulture Science (ESS)" during 2017. About the Award The Award would be given to scientists, professionals and other stakeholders associated with the activities related to sericulture science and allied sectors. Any specific invention, research, action or any other efforts of the persons/group, resulted/which can result significant impact to the specified areas of silk and related industries shall be considered for the award. The Award is given in the following 4 categories of sericulture science. Category Areas covered 1.Silkworm Host Plant Development Host plant development for mulberry, tasar, eri and muga sericulture agronomy, breeding, pest and disease management, molecular biology, cultivation, tissue culture, machinery development, etc. 2. Silkworm Development Silkworm breeding, silkworm protection, physiology, silkworm rearing practices, seed production, extension, machinery development, etc. 3. Post cocoon and Post yarn Technology All activities in post cocoon and post yarn development, machinery development, extension, fashion industry, marketing, promotion, etc. 4. Silkworm and Silk in Non-Textile Industry Use of silkworm and silk in frontier areas of research including biotechnology, biomaterial, The awardees shall be selected by a 5 memebr International Expert Committee drawing renowned scientists from 5 countries. The award consist of a Medal and a Certificate. The award shall be given to one person each in four categories and once in three years during the occassion of the ISC Congresses. Awards for 2026 The award shall be given to scientists, professionals and other stakeholders associated with the activities related to silkworm host plant and all silkworms and all silks including mulberry, non-mulberry, spiders, bees, hornets, and the other silk insects. Any specific invention, research, action, or any other efforts of the persons/group resulted/which can result significant impact to the specified areas of silk and related industries shall be considered for the award. Applications with multiple claims will be rejected. The achievement must have field applicability and contribute to the development of silk industry in any manner. Louis Pasteur Awardees are excluded from applying for this award. The Award shall be presented during the 27th ISC Congress scheduled at Chennai, Indi during 23rd to 27th November 2026. Accordingly, applications are hereby invited from interested candidates through proper channel with all relevant details to the Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, by 31st July 2026, through E-mail: csbforeignaffairs@gmail.com. The concerned authorities may forward the nominations of interested candidates under their jurisdiction in official letterhead, with suitable recommendations, which shall also include authentication of the claims, along with duly filled in prescribed Application Form. For more details, click here. Related resources Awardees of Excellence in Sericulture Science