Aimed at inspiring and recognising professional development in young hygienists, the award was presented to Breffni Pringle who submitted an essay on the topic ‘what skills will occupational hygienists need in ten years’ time?’ The prize, funded by 3M, was an all-expenses paid trip to the American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition (AIHce) in Montreal, Canada, as well as attendance at the BOHS Annual Conference in Manchester.