The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM aims to boost research, education, and global cooperation to tackle challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It recognises young innovators whose work drives global socio-economic progress, while encouraging interest in science, particularly among women and girls, to foster gender equality and promote scientific careers. The Prize is awarded biennially to five laureates from the five geographic regions of UNESCO (Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America and Latin America and the Caribbean).

Funding Organization: UNESCO

Scope: STEM research and education

Eligibility

• The Prize is awarded to candidates who have gained recognition for significant achievements or contributions in:
• Research in STEM, including emerging technologies, or
• STEM education, dissemination of research findings, creativity, and innovation, or
• International or regional cooperation in STEM.
• Candidates must be under 40 years old at the time of the application deadline.
• Nominations of young women scientists are strongly encouraged.

Maximum Award: The Prize includes $50,000, a medal, and a diploma for each winner.

Application Process:

• The nominations can be submitted by the following entities: 1) Governments of  Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions; 2) Non-governmental organizations maintaining official partnerships with UNESCO and active in relevant fields covered by the Prize; 3) UNESCO Chairs; 4) Category 2 Centres; 5) International scientific unions; or 6) Universities.
• Nominations must be completed in full in English or French.
• Each nomination shall be accompanied by a written recommendation, which shall include: 1) a description of the candidate’s background and achievements; 2) a summary of the work, publications and other supporting documents of major importance, submitted for consideration; and 3) a description of the candidate’s contribution to the Prize’s objectives.
• The nominations must be submitted online at: https://apply.unescoalfozanprize.org/

Nomination Deadline: 15 April 2025

Further information: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-al-fozan-international-prize-promotion-young-scientists-calls-nominations