Call for nominations for the 3rd edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
unesco1The call for nominations and applications is now open for the third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks have been invited to share this opportunity with relevant organizations, institutions and eligible candidates.
About the Prize
The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize aims to promote research, education and international cooperation in STEM fields. It recognizes talented young scientists whose work contributes to scientific advancement, global socioeconomic development and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Awarded every two years, the Prize honors five laureates representing UNESCO’s five geographic regions:
- Africa
- Arab States
- Asia and the Pacific
- Europe and North America
- Latin America and the Caribbean
Each laureate will receive USD 50,000, together with a medal and diploma, to support the development of their career and enable them to share their ideas and achievements more widely.
Eligibility
Candidates must be under 40 years of age at the application deadline and have gained recognition for significant achievements or contributions in one or more of the following areas:
- Research in STEM, including emerging technologies
- STEM education, dissemination of research findings, creativity and innovation
- International or regional cooperation in STEM
Nominations of young women scientists are strongly encouraged to promote gender balance and greater participation by women in STEM fields.
Application and Nomination Process
Candidates must register through the online application portal and complete their application dossier in either English or French. The dossier should include information on the candidate’s background, achievements, publications and other significant contributions, as well as a statement explaining how their work contributes to the objectives of the Prize.
Please note that an application is valid only when accompanied by a nomination from an eligible nominating entity. Self-nominations without the support of an eligible entity will not be considered.
Eligible nominating entities include:
- Governments of UNESCO Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions for UNESCO
- Non-governmental organizations in official partnership with UNESCO and active in fields relevant to the Prize
- UNESCO Chairs
- UNESCO Category 2 Institutes and Centres
- International scientific unions
- Universities, represented by authorized officials such as heads of departments, deans or university management professionals
Individual university faculty members and staff may not nominate candidates in their personal capacity.
Nominations may be submitted either through an official nomination letter provided to the candidate or directly through the online nomination system. Eligible entities may nominate up to three candidates, with each nomination submitted separately.
Application Deadline
30 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+1)
Both the candidate’s completed application and the corresponding nomination must be submitted by the deadline. Applicants and nominators are encouraged to begin the process early, as nominator accounts must be verified before nominations can be submitted.
Further Information and Application
For inquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Prize at unescoalfozanprize@unesco.org.
