UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize 2026: Win USD 50,000 for Outstanding Achievements in STEM Research, Innovation, and International Cooperation

Young scientists and innovators around the world now have an exceptional opportunity to gain international recognition for their contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). UNESCO has officially launched the call for nominations and applications for the third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM.

This globally recognized biennial prize celebrates outstanding young researchers, innovators, educators, and scientific leaders whose work contributes to advancing scientific knowledge, strengthening STEM education, promoting innovation, and fostering international cooperation in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Five outstanding laureates from different regions of the world will each receive a monetary award of USD 50,000, in addition to a medal and diploma recognizing their achievements and contributions to society.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 30 November 2026 (Midnight UTC+1)

Applicants and nominators are strongly encouraged to begin the application process early to allow sufficient time for account verification, nomination submission, and document preparation.

About the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM was established to strengthen scientific research, improve STEM education, encourage innovation, and enhance international scientific cooperation.

The Prize supports UNESCO’s broader mission of promoting science as a driver of sustainable development and recognizes young scientists whose work addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, technological innovation, education, public health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic advancement.

Through this initiative, UNESCO seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists while encouraging governments, institutions, and communities to invest in scientific excellence and innovation.

The Prize also places a strong emphasis on gender equality by encouraging the participation and recognition of women and girls in STEM disciplines.

Prize Benefits

Selected laureates will receive:

Financial Award

• USD 50,000 for each laureate

International Recognition

• UNESCO international recognition
• Global visibility among scientific communities
• Increased opportunities for collaboration and networking
• Enhanced professional credibility

Official Honors

• UNESCO-Al Fozan Prize Medal
• UNESCO-Al Fozan Prize Diploma

Career Advancement Opportunities

• Increased exposure to global scientific networks
• Opportunities for international partnerships
• Recognition from leading scientific institutions worldwide

Number of Awards Available

The Prize is awarded to five laureates every two years, representing the following geographical regions:

1. Africa
2. Arab States
3. Asia and the Pacific
4. Europe and North America
5. Latin America and the Caribbean

This regional representation ensures global inclusion and recognizes scientific excellence across diverse communities and research environments.

Objectives of the Prize

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize aims to:

• Promote excellence in STEM research
• Encourage innovation and scientific discovery
• Support STEM education and knowledge dissemination
• Strengthen international scientific cooperation
• Advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals
• Increase participation of women and girls in STEM
• Inspire future generations of scientists and innovators

Who Can Apply?

The Prize is open to young scientists, researchers, innovators, educators, and STEM professionals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in their respective fields.

Candidates must have achieved significant recognition for their work and demonstrate measurable impact within their area of expertise.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be under 40 years of age on the application deadline date (30 November 2026)

Achievement Requirement

Candidates must have demonstrated significant achievements or contributions in one or more of the following areas:

1. STEM Research

Including:

• Scientific research
• Applied research
• Emerging technologies
• Breakthrough discoveries
• Innovative scientific solutions

2. STEM Education and Innovation

Including:

• STEM teaching and learning initiatives
• Science communication
• Dissemination of research findings
• Educational innovation
• Creativity and technological innovation

3. International or Regional Cooperation

Including:

• Cross-border scientific collaboration
• Regional research partnerships
• International STEM initiatives
• Scientific diplomacy
• Knowledge-sharing programmes

Focus on Gender Equality

UNESCO strongly encourages nominations of young women scientists.

The Prize seeks to address gender disparities in STEM by recognizing female scientific leaders and inspiring more girls and young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Application Process

Applicants must complete an online application dossier.

Step 1: Create an Online Account

Candidates must:

• Register online
• Verify their email address
• Complete their profile information

Step 2: Complete the Application Dossier

Applicants must provide detailed information about:

• Educational background
• Professional achievements
• Scientific contributions
• Research impact
• Innovation activities
• International collaboration experience

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

Required documents include:

• Description of background and achievements
• Summary of research work and publications
• Evidence of significant contributions
• Statement explaining contribution to the Prize objectives
• Additional supporting documentation

Step 4: Secure a Valid Nomination

Applications are only valid if accompanied by an eligible nomination.

Candidates must ensure their nominator submits the nomination before the application deadline.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Both the application and nomination must be completed by:

30 November 2026 (Midnight UTC+1)

Nomination Requirements

A nomination is mandatory.

Applications submitted without an eligible nomination will not be considered.

Who Can Nominate?

Eligible nominators include:

Government Institutions

• Governments of UNESCO Member States
• National Commissions for UNESCO

UNESCO Partners

• UNESCO Chairs
• Category 2 Institutes and Centres under UNESCO

Scientific Organizations

• International scientific unions
• Relevant scientific bodies

Non-Governmental Organizations

• NGOs maintaining official partnerships with UNESCO
• Organizations active in STEM-related fields

Universities

Eligible university representatives include:

• Department Heads
• Deans
• University management officials

Individual faculty members and staff members are not eligible to submit nominations independently.

What Must a Nomination Include?

A nomination should contain:

Candidate Background

• Professional profile
• Educational background
• Major achievements

Scientific Contributions

• Publications
• Research outputs
• Innovation achievements
• Major accomplishments

Contribution to Prize Objectives

• Impact on STEM advancement
• Educational contributions
• Innovation and scientific leadership
• International cooperation efforts

Important Application Notes

Applicants should carefully note the following:

• Self-nominations alone are not accepted
• Applications must be completed in English or French
• Nominations must be completed in English or French
• Incomplete submissions will be rejected
• Late applications will not be accepted
• Account verification may require additional time
• Each nominating institution may nominate up to three candidates
• Supporting documents must be submitted before the deadline

Why This Prize Matters

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for emerging scientific leaders.

Beyond the financial award, the Prize provides recipients with international visibility, global recognition, and access to influential scientific networks that can accelerate their careers and amplify the impact of their work.

For young researchers and innovators dedicated to solving global challenges through science and technology, this Prize represents a powerful platform for showcasing excellence and contributing to sustainable development worldwide.

How to Apply

Click here for more and to apply

Interested candidates should begin preparing their applications and securing eligible nominators as early as possible to ensure successful submission before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM offers an extraordinary opportunity for young scientists, researchers, innovators, and educators to gain international recognition for their contributions to science and society.

With five awards of USD 50,000 each, global visibility, and recognition from UNESCO, the Prize celebrates the next generation of scientific leaders working to advance knowledge, innovation, education, and sustainable development around the world.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications and nominations well ahead of the 30 November 2026 deadline.

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