The SMD Award is a professional recognition granted to members of the SMD for their work in the field of microbiology. The award is divided into three categories and is presented:
a) to young microbiologists of Slovenia for outstanding scientific research achievements (the award is granted to individuals who are no older than 35 years at the time of the public call for nominations)
b) for important professional, scientific research, or educational achievements in the field of microbiology in Slovenia
c) for successful organizational and/or professional work within the society, its governing bodies, or its sections
The SMD Plaque is an award granted to members of the SMD for scientific, developmental, or educational achievements in the field of microbiology. The award is divided into three categories and is presented for:
a) top scientific research achievements with international recognition
b) an outstanding achievement in the professional field of microbiology (e.g., in production or diagnostic practice)
c) exceptional educational achievements with international recognition in the field of microbiology
The Plenčič Award is the highest distinction conferred by the SMD and is awarded to an SMD member who has made a significant contribution to the development of microbiology in Slovenia as well as to the international recognition of Slovenian microbiology.
A candidate for the Plenčič Award must meet at least four of the following criteria:
– publications in high-quality scientific journals over the course of their career and within the last five years prior to the call
– above-average contributions in the professional or educational field of microbiology
– organization of international and national events
– active promotion of microbiology (e.g., public lectures, participation in television programs, publishing/public outreach activities)
– active involvement in the SMD society
The Title of Honorary Member of the SMD is awarded to an individual for special merits in the promotion and development of professional, scientific research, or educational activities in the field of microbiology in Slovenia.
The honorary membership title may also be awarded to a non-member of the society and to a foreign distinguished expert/scientist whose work has contributed to the development of microbiological science in Slovenia.
The honorary membership title may also be awarded to an individual for special merits in cooperation with and promotion of the SMD in the international arena.
The Best Master’s Thesis Award is a prize conferred by the SMD to candidates who, in the opinion of the evaluation committee, prepared and successfully defended the best master’s theses in the field of microbiology in the preceding period. The award is presented annually at the regular General Assembly of the SMD. In addition to the main award recipient, recognition is also granted to two candidates who achieve second and third place based on the committee’s scoring.