John Snow Public Health Innovation Prize

The John Snow Public Health Innovation Prize recognises and supports excellence in applied microbiology, specifically targeting those whose work significantly improves public health and environmental sustainability. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6, this prize is for professionals, researchers, and innovators who have made notable contributions to health and well-being, as well as to clean water and sanitation. It honours their efforts in tackling key health challenges and ensuring safe water access, emphasising real-world impacts in these critical areas.

The recipient of the award shall receive:

• £3,000 in prize money
• A commemorative plaque highlighting their achievement
• An invitation to submit an article to an AMI-owned journal
• The opportunity to present/chair at an AMI conference, webinar, roundtable, or similar event

Only members can nominate for this award. Nominations close 11 July 2025. Following this, AMI's internal awards panel will evaluate the nominations and decide on a winner, which will be announced on 1 October.

Applied Microbiology directly contributes to several specific targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The relevant targets include:

1. Target 3.3 - Infectious Diseases: Applied microbiology is crucial in identifying, studying, and controlling infectious diseases. The development of vaccines and treatments for diseases like AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other communicable diseases is a direct application of microbiological research.
2. Target 3.4 - Noncommunicable Diseases: The study of the human microbiome and its impact on noncommunicable diseases is a growing area in applied microbiology. This research is fundamental in developing new treatments and understanding disease mechanisms.
3. Target 3.8 - Universal Health Coverage: The development of essential medicines and vaccines, a key aspect of achieving universal health coverage, heavily relies on applied microbiological techniques and knowledge.
4. Target 3.9 - Environmental Health: Applied microbiology's role in environmental health is significant, particularly in studying the impact of environmental factors on human health and developing bioremediation techniques to mitigate pollution.
5. Target 3.b - Medicines and Vaccines: The research and development of new medicines and vaccines, especially for combating communicable and noncommunicable diseases, are deeply rooted in applied microbiology.
6. Target 3.d - Emergency Preparedness: Applied microbiology is essential in preparing for and managing health emergencies, including emerging infectious diseases and pandemics. This involves surveillance, early warning systems, and the development of rapid response strategies.

Applied microbiology also directly contributes to several specific targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The relevant targets include:

1. Target 6.1 - Safe and Affordable Drinking Water: Applied microbiology is instrumental in ensuring the safety of drinking water. This involves studying waterborne pathogens, developing methods to detect and eliminate them, and ensuring the microbial safety of drinking water supplies.
2. Target 6.2 - Sanitation and Hygiene: In this area, applied microbiology contributes to understanding and controlling the spread of diseases through sanitation practices. This includes research on microbial pathogens in waste and the development of effective sanitation technologies and hand-washing facilities to reduce the transmission of microbial pathogens.
3. Target 6.3 - Water Quality Improvement: Applied microbiologists play a vital role in improving water quality by studying water pollutants and developing bioremediation strategies. This involves using microorganisms to break down or remove harmful substances from water, thus reducing pollution and improving water quality for various uses.
4. Target 6.4 - Water-use Efficiency and Sustainable Withdrawals: While not directly linked, applied microbiology can contribute to this target by developing bio-based solutions for water treatment and recycling, which can lead to more efficient use of water resources.
5. Target 6.5 - Integrated Water Resources Management: Applied microbiology contributes indirectly by providing data and insights into the microbial aspects of water ecosystems, which can inform broader water resource management strategies.
6. Target 6.6 - Water-related Ecosystems: Applied microbiology is crucial for the study and management of microbial communities in ecosystems like rivers, wetlands, and aquifers. This research helps in understanding how microbes interact with and support these ecosystems, contributing to their protection and restoration.
7. Target 6.a - International Cooperation and Capacity-Building: Applied microbiology plays a role in international cooperation by sharing knowledge and technologies for water treatment, recycling, and wastewater treatment methods developed through microbiological research.
8. Target 6.b - Community Participation in Water and Sanitation Management: Applied microbiologists can support and strengthen the participation of local communities in water and sanitation management by educating and disseminating knowledge about microbial risks and sanitation practices.

The contributions of applied microbiology to both SDG 3 and SDG 6, from medical advancements to enhancing water and sanitation, are crucial. The John Snow Public Health Innovation Prize highlights the importance of this field, celebrating the real-world impacts on health and environmental sustainability.