An opportunity for outstanding young researchers worldwide

Nominations and applications are now open until November 30, 2026 for the third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), an initiative that recognizes outstanding young researchers whose contributions have advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics on a global scale.

Established to promote scientific research, STEM education, and international cooperation, the prize seeks to highlight emerging talents whose work contributes to sustainable development, innovation, and socioeconomic progress. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of increasing the participation of women and girls in scientific careers, fostering greater gender equity across STEM fields.

Detailed information on the selection criteria, required documentation, and application procedures is available on the prize’s official website – click here to access.

Supporting innovation, sustainability, and gender equity in STEM

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize is awarded biennially to five laureates, one from each of UNESCO’s geographical regions: Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Each laureate receives US$50,000, together with a medal and a diploma.

Eligible candidates are young scientists under the age of 40 at the application deadline who have gained recognition for significant achievements in scientific and technological research, STEM education, science communication, innovation, or international cooperation in STEM-related fields. UNESCO strongly encourages the nomination of young women scientists.

Who can apply and how nominations work

Applications must be submitted in English or French through the prize’s online platform. For an application to be considered valid, it must be supported by a nomination from an institution authorized to submit candidates to UNESCO. Eligible nominating entities include the governments of UNESCO Member States, in consultation with their respective National Commissions for UNESCO; non-governmental organizations maintaining official partnerships with UNESCO and active in fields related to the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize; UNESCO Chairs; international scientific unions; and universities, through academic or administrative leaders authorized to represent the institution, such as heads of department, deans, or senior university management professionals.

UNESCO notes that individual faculty members, researchers, and administrative staff acting in a personal capacity are not eligible to submit nominations. Therefore, interested young scientists should seek the support of one of these eligible institutions to formalize their nomination, in addition to completing their own application dossier through the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize’s electronic platform.

Click here for further details on the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize.