The ISCC Gernot Klepper Research Award
The ISCC Gernot Klepper Research Award commemorates the exceptional contributions of Professor Gernot Klepper to ISCC and to the global field of sustainability research.
About Gernot Klepper
As a founding member of ISCC and former Chair of the Association Board from 2013 to 2024, Professor Klepper shaped ISCC into the leading sustainability certification system it is today notably due to his strategic foresight and hands-on leadership.
Winner of the ISCC Gernot Klepper Research Award 2025
PhD student Alliana Snead, Northwestern University
Systems Analysis Research Group of Professor Jennifer Dunn
Project Title: “Inclusion of Minerals in Sustainability Certification through Stable Supply Chains”
Abstract: Companies rely on certification programs to communicate their sustainability efforts to consumers as well as to identify products that align with their environmental values. As of the present, these programs generally fail to include mineral content in their portfolio, even when certifying at the product level, which are often the heaviest components of products. Companies also depend on a consistent supply of materials to support manufacturing and decarbonization efforts, but there is currently no way to estimate the stability of supply chains that considers potential geopolitical disruption. We propose to develop a new indicator to analyze the stability of mineral supply chains along each stage of the supply chain and mineral refinement called the Supply Chain Risk Score. We will then use this calculated score to explore the potential of mineral certification to be included alongside existing certification programs to further encourage decarbonization of consumer products.
About the Award
The award seeks to advance innovative, science-based approaches to climate change mitigation, sustainable supply chains, and circular economy solutions.
Each year, the award will recognise outstanding research – in the form of a PhD or ongoing or independent research – conducted by a research institution, NGO, or think tank in support of an academic publication, a peer-reviewed journal article, or an impactful white paper. Eligible recipients may be full-time faculty members, students, or permanent researchers.
Annual award amount: up to €50,000
(may be granted to one application, or divided across two applicants per award cycle)
Supported Research Areas
- Economics of climate change and instruments for implementation.
- Geospatial analyses for sustainable material sourcing and tracking.
- Value creation of sustainability claims and on-product logos for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies.
- Development of life-cycle tools in emerging fuel and material pathways.
- Optimisation of chain of custody models in supply chains.
- Conservation and biodiversity-related studies.
Application and Selection
The award will be granted through an annual Request for Proposal (RFP) process:
- The call for proposals has been distributed through the ISCC Chair Letter and other ISCC communication channels, with support from ISCC Members.
- Proposals must include a narrative (of at least 1,000 words and no more than 2,000 words) outlining the research.
- Submissions must demonstrate alignment with ISCC principles: sustainability, full traceability, deforestation-free sourcing, and climate-friendly supply chains.
- The Scientific Review Board will pre-screen applications to ensure they meet the award’s scope and intent before submitting its recommendations to the ISCC Board.
- Final approval and selection will be made by the ISCC Board.
Both the Scientific Review Board and the ISCC Board will evaluate proposals based on their:
- Scientific Merit
- Innovation and Originality
- Feasibility and Methodology
- Impact and Relevance to the Award Goals
- Qualifications of the Research Team
Successful applicants will be notified by mail.
Awardees shall present brief introductions and research updates at the annual ISCC General Assembly.
Scientific Review Board
Prof Dr David Chiaramonti
Full prof of Energy Economics, and Bioeconomy for MED and Third Countries at the Department of Energy (Politecnico di Torino).
Dr Steffen Mueller
Associate Director & Principal Economist at the Energy Resources Centre (University of Illinois at Chicago).
Prof Dr Daniela Thraen
Chair of Bioenergy Systems at the Department of Bioenergy affiliated with the Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research (University of Leipzig).
How to Apply
Researchers are invited to submit their proposals through the online submission form.
Submissions should include:
- Applicant details (name, affiliation, contact information)
- Research title and abstract (max. 300 words)
- Proposal narrative (1,000–2,000 words)
- Relevant keywords and research area category
- Optional: supplementary materials or datasets
ISCC Gernot Klepper Research Award Programme Rules
Contact
If you have any questions about the ISCC Gernot Klepper Research Award, please do not hesitate to contact us.