SDC Reopens Applications for Global Colourist Award 2026

The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC), a long-established education provider, has announced the reopening of applications for its Global Colourist Award 2026. The award aims to recognise professional contributions within the broader coloration sector.

Entries are open to colourists globally, covering a wide range of specialisms including textiles, dyes and pigments, leather, food, paint, coatings, cosmetics and plastics. Professionals working as production dyers, shift dyers, printing colourists, and those involved in research, development, testing, colour management and quality control are eligible to participate.

The selected recipient will receive a prize of £1000, sponsored by Advanced Chemical Holdings Ltd. In addition, the winner will be invited to attend the SDC’s Day of Celebration and awards ceremony in the UK, with all expenses covered. During the event, the recipient will be presented with a certificate and prize money.

Applications will be accepted until 30 June 2026. Candidates may apply directly, provided they include a referee to confirm their suitability. Nominations can also be submitted by supervisors, managers or directors on behalf of an employee.

Dr Nat B Crompton_GCA Winner 2025

Nat Crompton, previous winner of the 2025 Global Colourist Award, said: “Winning the SDC Global Colourist Award was a real milestone and the first time I truly felt recognised for my work, which meant a lot. Colour is a complex and fascinating field, and one of the most rewarding aspects is understanding why things behave the way they do. There is still so much we don’t fully understand, which makes it an incredibly exciting industry to be part of.”

The winner, along with their employer, will also be featured in the SDC’s quarterly members’ magazine, The Colourist.

Andrew Filarowski, SDC’s technical director and deputy CEO, added:
“The Society is once again delighted to reopen applications for the Global Colourist Award. We are looking for outstanding early-career professionals working across the many disciplines of colour, whether that’s industry or academia, who can demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment, strong technical ability and a passion for colour, alongside a meaningful contribution to their field.”

Following the application deadline, entries will undergo a judging process, with interviews scheduled later in the year. The final winner will be announced ahead of the SDC’s annual awards ceremony.

Further details on application and nomination procedures are available on the SDC website.