1.  ABBOTT AWARD  

Innovative research and development in Virology, sponsored by Abbott Diagnostics.  The prize of R2000.00 plus a commemorative plaque is awarded biannually at the SMLTSA National Congress.  

2.  BACTLAB SYSTEMS GOLD AWARD FOR THE BEST PAPER 

Sponsored by Bactlab Systems (Pty) Ltd for the person who significantly contributed to the academic improvement of Posters presented at the SMLTSA National Congress in the categories of Microbiology, Serology or Flow-Cytometry.  Preference will be given to original work.  Other requirements include membership of the SMLTSA and, at least three years qualification as a Medical Technologist.  There are no restrictions on the number of awards that can be received.  The prize of R500.00 and a floating trophy, is awarded at the SMLTSA National Congress 

3.  BACTLAB SYSTEMS PREMIER AWARD FOR THE BEST PAPER 

Sponsored by Bactlab Systems (Pty) Ltd for the person who has contributed most to improve the standard of Academic Papers presented at the SMLTSA National Congress, in Microbiology.  Preference will be given to authors or co-authors that have completed their papers with minimal help.  Other requirements include membership of the SMLTSA and at least, five years qualification as a Medical Technologist.  There are no restrictions on the number of awards that can be achieved.  The prize is a return airfare to the USA to attend either the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Congress or the American Society of Medical Technologist’s Annual Congress, as a delegate to present a paper or poster.  The prize includes a floating trophy, miniature and certificate.  

4.  JOSEPH AWARD FOR THE BEST PAPER PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL, MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, SA 

Sponsored by the SMLTSA, for a paper published in the Medical Technology SA, the contents of which are considered to be of the highest standard.  The author/s are required to apply to the Awards Committee to have contributions evaluated.  A copy of the relevant publication must accompany the application.  The prize of R800.00 is presented biannually at the SMLTSA National Congress. 

5.  BECKMAN – COULTER IRENE AITKEN MEMORIAL AWARD 

Sponsored by Beckman – Coulter for the best Paper, Poster or Publication in a recognized journal, in the field of Haematology.  The work should include the use of the Coulter Counter, or parameters derived therefrom, such as Flow- Cytometry, Immunology, Monoclonal Antibody techniques and Platelet Aggregometry.  Preference will be given to original work, one-to-one instrument comparisons are not acceptable.  Other requirements include membership of the SMLTSA and qualification period of five or more years.  The recipient will only be eligible once.  The prize is a business class return airfare from Johannesburg to London to attend a congress or to study further and a Presentation Certificate.  This award will be awarded at the SMLTSA National Congress for the last time.  A haematology committee will evaluate the candidates and nominate the prizewinner.  

6.  MERCK AWARD 

For the most successful candidate in Cytopathology or Microbiology or contributions to the field of Cytology or Microbiology.  The prize of R1000.00 is presented biannually at the SMLTSA National Congress.  

7.  LABOTEC – SHANDON AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF CYTOLOGY 

Original research, publication of an outstanding paper, presentation at a Congress and / or service to the profession.  The prize of R1000.00 is presented biannually at the SMLTSA National Congress.  

8.  WIRSAM – OLYMPUS MICROSCOPIC AWARD 

Sponsored by Wirsam for service and dedication in one of the following fields: Cytogenetics, Cytology, Histology, Microbiology or Electron Microscopy.  An Olympus Compact camera will be awarded at the SMLTSA National congress. 

9.  SA SCIENTIFIC AWARD – “TECHNOLOGIST OF THE YEAR” 

Sponsored by SA Scientific Group for the “Technologist of the Year”.  A prize of R1000.00 with a plaque will be awarded biannually at the SMLTSA National Congress.  This award will be evaluated by SMLTSA -PRO committee  

10.  THISTLE STUDENT AWARD 

To recognize the academic achievement of students at the relevant technikon.  Recipient must be pre-diplomate and must have been a member of the Society for a period of not less than a year.  A trophy, which remains the property of the relevant Branch, a miniature and R100.00 is awarded. 

11.  ROCHE AWARD 

To recognize a member of the Society who has made significant contributions in furthering the aims of medical technology.  The prize includes two economy airfares to Germany to visit Roche Manufacturing and research sites.  All accommodation and meals are covered while visiting the sites and DM 1000.00 spending money is included. 

12.  DADE BEHRING AWARD 

Sponsored by Dade Behring S.A (PTY) Ltd.  For the “Best Immunology Student” including higher diploma to the value of R500.00 for the student and R250.00 for the branch to which the winner is a member.  

13.  STERILAB AWARD 

Sponsored by Sterilab for service and dedication in the field of Virology and Serology, higher qualification in Virology or Serology and /or teaching or promoting research and development in Virology or Serology.  The prize of a book voucher and a cheque to the total of R1000.00 is presented at the SMLTSA National Congress.  

14.  BAYER DIAGNOSTICS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 

Sponsored by Bayer S.A to the author or co-author of a paper published in any recognized journal or presented at a congress in the field of Immunology, Clinical Chemistry, Haematology or Laboratory Computers.  Other requirements include a submission by the candidate stating their previous achievements and contributions to Medical Technology and detailing how the award would be used and what benefits would be gained from it.  The prize of R5000.00 is towards a study grant to further the candidate’s professional career, and is presented every 2 years at the National SMLTSA Congress.  

15.  BAYER / SAKURA HISTOLOGY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 

Sponsored by Bayer S.A and Saura Europe to the author or co-author of the best paper or poster presented at the National SMLTSA Congress.  This is to be decided by the SMLTSA Awards Committee or someone delegated by them.  The prize is a trip to the UK where they will attend the prestigious Bayer Histology In Focus Meeting (normally in August or September).  Laboratory visits will also be arranged for the winner either in Amsterdam or Paris.  Should there however be no quality presentations at the Congress, the prize will not be awarded.