IULTCS has officially announced that the Young Leather Scientist Grant YLSG 2026 winners are finally out and the global leather industry now knows the three bright minds shaping its future.

After a detailed international evaluation by the IULTCS jury the awards have been given across three key categories covering research, sustainability and digital innovation.

In Basic Leather Research sponsored by Trumpler the top honour goes to Hao Liu from Sichuan University, China. His work focuses on a core process in leather manufacturing and stands out for combining strong scientific depth with real industrial relevance.

In the Prof. Mike Redwood Sustainability Environmental Research category sponsored by Leather Naturally the award goes to Kikomeko Destine. The project impressed the jury with its sustainability focus, creative thinking and measurable environmental impact for the leather sector.

In Machinery and Digitalization Solutions sponsored by Italprogetti, Nima Pourrasoul Sardroudi takes the top spot. His research connects science with machinery optimisation and highlights how digital tools can improve efficiency in leather finishing.

According to the organisers these winners reflect what YLSG truly represents scientific excellence, global collaboration, sustainable innovation and future ready leather technology.

The three winners will submit their final research reports in 2027 and the global leather community will be watching closely.