The Roux family have revealed the details of the Roux Scholarship 2016 competition.

The winner will receive a career changing opportunity to go on an all-expenses paid, three month stage at a three star Michelin restaurant of their choosing anywhere in the world, as well as many unique prizes all related to food and hospitality.

Entrants must be in full-time employment as a chef in the UK and be aged 22 years or above, but no older than 30 years on 1 February 2016. Entrants have until midnight on Monday 1 February 2016 to submit a recipe to serve four people, using: One whole fresh pollock gutted, weighing anywhere between 1.5 – 1.75kg (maximum 2kg) and 600g live whole cockles; together served plated and accompanied by two garnishes. One garnish must include button mushrooms and the other to be a garnish of your choice. One of these garnishes can be served separately if preferred. A sauce must accompany the dish.

>>> Read: Ian Scaramuzza is the Roux Scholar 2015

Entrants are not allowed to use or bring any pre-prepared stock or sauce whatsoever for the fish, vegetable or garnish dishes and none will be provided. Full details can be found in the rules on the website that competitors must read before entering.

>>>See our chat with former Roux Scholarship finalist Sabrina Gidda

2016 heralds a refresh of the Roux Scholarship as cousins Alain & Michel Jr take over as joint chairman from their fathers, Michel and Albert Roux. The family has invited some of the scholars, previous winners of the competition, to get more involved. Brothers Michel and Albert will become patrons of the Roux legacy of which they are so proud.

Michel Jr said: “Exciting times ahead with the patriarchs stepping down and some little changes in the judging panel. Still very much the same ethos and standards. After all it is the Roux Scholarship!”

Alain and Michel Jr lead the line-up of judges, which this year includes James Martin, David Nicholls, Brian Turner, the first scholar Andrew Fairlie as well as previous winners Simon Hulstone (2003 scholar) and André Garrett (2002 scholar). A high profile international guest chef will also be joining the panel to judge the final and the name will be announced soon.

Alain said: “In one respect, it is a daunting mantle to assume, the stewardship of the Scholarship, the proudest legacy of my dad and Uncle Albert but my cousin Michel and I are so excited and inspired to take it on.”

The judges will select the best 18 recipes from those submitted. These chefs will be invited to cook their dish, along with a mystery box dessert challenge at regional finals to be held in Birmingham and London on Thursday 17 March 2016. The final will be held in London on Monday 4 April 2016 and the winner will be announced at a prestigious award ceremony at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hyde Park that same evening.

>>> Read more on the Roux Scholarship 2016