The award is presented at IFEH World Congresses. It is to be awarded to either an individual or an organisation. Recipients must have made a notable contribution to the work of the Federation by helping it to fulfil its aims and objectives.

At the 7th IFEH World Congress 2002, San Diego,  the award was presented:

John McCandless
Past Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, CIEH
Member of IFEH Council 1994-2000

and CIEH NI Centre (jointly)

Eric Foskett Award 2002 - Awarded jointly to John McCandless and CIEH Northern Ireland Centre

Following the suggestion of NI Centre Past President Clarence Phenix (deceased) the Northern Ireland Centre actively developed a professional linkage with our counterparts in Tanzania. From early contacts and following a fact-finding mission supported by the Centre it was soon realised that we could best support our colleagues by helping them develop a BSc degree programme in Environmental Health.

To support this development a world wide appeal for funds was set up and, spearheaded by John McCandless, a staggering amount of money was raised to provide a library of resources at Muhimbili College, University of Dar es Salaam – the Clarence Phenix Memorial Library.

John worked tirelessly on this project before, during and after his year as CIEH Chairman of Council and his joint nomination for this award from the International Federation of Environmental Health is a fitting tribute to his vision and determination.

The Clarence Phenix Memorial Library goes from strength to strength and is a vital resource for both undergraduates and fellow environmental health professionals in Tanzania. The library is still supported by the Northern Ireland Centre in terms of provision of materials, computers and other resources.