Since the first edition, the Milan Polymer Days congresses series have launched a Young Scientist Best Poster Award competition to highlight the good quality posters presented by young scientists at the annual meetings. For early career researchers, winning an award at an International congress can boost self-confidence, broaden connections, and increase research visibility and impact. Gaining prestige and recognition can certainly contribute to their personal and professional development.

Only Ph.D. students and Post-doc fellows whose Ph.D. have been completed within the last 4 years are eligible for competition. The three best poster communications receive a € 250 prize kindly provided by the sponsors. This prize can be re-invested for participating in scientific meetings and events.

Every year an international jury made up of eminent scientists in the field of polymers evaluates the poster communications presented by the participants. The purpose of these communications is mainly to visually present the general overview and the most relevant results of a research project, independently of the oral communication. The winners are selected based on multiple criteria: clarity in presentation, excellence in research, and knowledge of the subject demonstrated in the discussion with the selection jury.

The poster award winners are announced in front of all congress attendees at the end of the Milan Polymer Days annual congress. The announcement represents one of the highlights of the closing ceremony, placing emphasis on the most outstanding visual presentations by young scientists.