QUB Researcher awarded 2025 Nils Foss Talent Prize
At a recent ceremony hosted in Copenhagen, Dr Natasha Logan from Queen’s University Belfast was honoured with this year’s Nils Foss Talent Prize.
Dr Logan's innovative research in nanomaterial and portable spectroscopy technology has led to important advances in the detection of chemical contaminants and food fraud. Her work focuses on portable, rapid SERS applications that address critical challenges in food safety and sustainability. She has demonstrated scientific excellence and entrepreneurial vision, with highly cited publications, a patent application, and successful engagement with the industry, paving the way for real-world solutions across the food supply chain.
The Nils Foss Prize honours cutting-edge research within the field of food and agriculture. The globally recognised €15,000 Talent Prize recognises talented and promising upcoming scientists.
Dr Natasha Logan, from the School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s said:
“I am honoured to receive the Nils Foss Talent Prize. I’m grateful to FOSS for recognising my work in advancing nanoplasmonic and SERS-based technologies for improving food safety, and deeply thankful to my mentors and colleagues at the Institute for Global Food Security and the School of Biological Sciences for their constant support.
This award means a great deal, and I’m excited to continue developing practical diagnostic tools that can make a real difference to food safety and public health”.
Professor Sharon Huws, Interim Director of the Institute for Global Food Security, said:
“This is an outstanding and thoroughly deserved recognition of Natasha’s scientific excellence and her commitment to real-world impact. Her innovations in SERS-based and nanoplasmonic technologies are helping to redefine how we detect contaminants and protect the integrity of the global food supply chain. The Nils Foss Talent Prize is one of the most prestigious honours in our field, and we are exceptionally proud to see Natasha’s work celebrated on the international stage. She epitomises the research excellence and societal purpose that lie at the heart of IGFS”
Since its establishment in 2016, the Nils Foss Prize has become a beacon of innovation and excellence in food science. Named after the visionary founder of FOSS, Nils Foss, the prize embodies his entrepreneurial legacy and pioneering contributions to analytical solutions that improve food safety, minimise waste, and ensure fair payment in agriculture and food production.