Launched in 2008, the NRF award is a monetary, two year grant made to the applicant through their university department. To qualify for the award applicants submitted research proposals, which were evaluated by a panel of internationally known scientists, including:
- Dr. Chris Knight, VP Research & Development, Novus International Inc.
- Dr. Gary. Allee, University of Missouri-Columbia
- Dr. Park Waldroup, Center for Poultry Excellence, University of Arkansas
- Dr. Kirk Klasing, University of California, Davis
- Dr. Julia Dibner, Private Consultant to Novus International, Inc
Each of these scientists proposals are scored with respect to:
- Clarity of research objectives
- Demonstrated knowledge of the area
- Appropriateness of methods for achieving the objectives
- Evidence of innovation
- Contribution to science
- Value to animal agriculture.
The 2008 NRF award recipient is Dr. Ma Deying from the Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agriculture University in Harbin, China. Dr. Ma's winning proposal is related to alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in commercial chicken production by using a class of proteins synthesized by the chicken that have broad antimicrobial activity. This award will be made on an annual basis.