The two separate Awards competitions in the two international regions, namely:
- Netherlands – Belgium – Northern Germany
- Switzerland – Austria – Northeastern France – Southern Germany
Have the same selection procedure.
- In each of the various sub-regions, on the basis of nominations received, an independent pre-selection committee will shortlist the three best candidates for their region.
- In both regions, in May or June (see timetable) all finalists will give a 30-minute presentation in English on their research before the international judging committee, whose members will be selected from the pre-selection committees and which will be chaired by a DSM executive.
- The international judging committee will then select the top three winners overall. Their final decision will be based in part on the quality of the presentations.
- Members of the pre-selection committees are prohibited from assessing candidates they have nominated themselves, and will appoint a deputy from their own organization for this purpose if so required.
