Lincoln, Neb. —The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Food Science and Technology is pleased to announce Dr. Byron Chaves as the recipient of the 2024 International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Chaves' significant contributions toward fostering diversity within food safety-related careers, activities, and research.
The James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award is sponsored by Neogen Corporation and consists of a commemorative plaque and a $2,500 honorarium. It recognizes an active IAFP member who has demonstrated outstanding efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of food safety.
Chaves will be honored and presented with the award during the IAFP Annual Meeting this July in Long Beach, California.
About the Award
The James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award is named after Dr. James Monroe Jay, a food microbiologist and active IAFP member. His interest and expertise in food microbiology and consumer education led to various advisory appointments in government agencies and fellowship awards. His “Modern Food Microbiology” remained a seminal textbook in the field for decades. Dr. Jay passed away in 2008. For more information, visit https://www.foodprotection.org/about/past-awardees/james-m-jay-diversity-in-food-safety-award/.
About IAFP
The International Association for Food Protection is dedicated to advancing food safety worldwide by providing food safety professionals with a forum to exchange information on protecting the food supply chain. It is the largest society for food safety scientists and professionals with over 3,000 members from 50 countries.