2027 ESA George Mercer Award for an Outstanding Paper by an Early-Career Researcher

Recognise a single outstanding ecological research paper first published online as an accepted paper in 2025 or 2026. The nomination includes the full citation, publication, an explanation of novelty and significance, the eligible authors’ birth dates, and support letters. The award is presented through the Ecological Society of America. Nominations close on 19 November 2026.

The lead author must have been 40 or younger when the paper was published. Eligible coauthors aged 40 or younger share the monetary prize; all authors receive plaques. Self-nominations are not accepted. Any nationality or residence is eligible, with priority to ESA members. Society conflict-of-interest restrictions apply.