Young Scientists Worldwide Invited to Apply for Prestigious UNESCO STEM Prize
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially launched the call for nominations for the 2026 UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The globally recognized award celebrates outstanding young researchers whose work is advancing scientific knowledge, driving innovation, supporting education, and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The prize also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by recognizing scientific contributions that promote sustainable development, international cooperation, and social progress.
Application Deadline
30 November 2026
Midnight (UTC+1)
About the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize
The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize was established to recognize and support exceptional young scientists who are making meaningful contributions in STEM fields.
The award honors researchers whose work demonstrates scientific excellence while creating positive impacts on communities, economies, and global development.
In addition to celebrating scientific achievement, the programme seeks to inspire future generations of innovators and strengthen international collaboration across scientific disciplines.
The prize also supports UNESCO’s commitment to increasing participation and representation of women and girls in STEM careers worldwide.
Prize Awards and Benefits
Every two years, UNESCO selects five outstanding young scientists from different regions of the world.
Each Laureate Receives:
- USD $50,000 Cash Award
- UNESCO Medal
- Official UNESCO Diploma
- International Recognition and Visibility
Winning the prize provides researchers with a prestigious global platform to showcase their work and expand their professional impact.
Regional Representation
Five winners will be selected, with one laureate representing each of the following regions:
- Africa
- Arab States
- Asia and the Pacific
- Europe and North America
- Latin America and the Caribbean
This global representation ensures diverse scientific perspectives and promotes international cooperation in research and innovation.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize, applicants must:
- Be under 40 years of age on the application deadline date
- Have demonstrated significant achievements in STEM-related fields
- Show evidence of scientific excellence and innovation
- Contribute to research, education, or solutions addressing global challenges
The prize welcomes candidates from a broad range of scientific disciplines and research areas.
Focus on Gender Equality
UNESCO strongly encourages the nomination of women scientists.
This emphasis reflects the organization’s ongoing efforts to:
- Increase female representation in STEM
- Promote gender equality in science and technology
- Support emerging women researchers and innovators
- Encourage inclusive participation in scientific advancement
Young women making impactful contributions to science, engineering, technology, and mathematics are particularly encouraged to seek nomination.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must complete the official online application process and provide supporting documentation.
Required Information Includes:
- Academic and professional background
- Summary of scientific achievements
- Research contributions and impact
- Publications and scholarly outputs
- Statement explaining how their work aligns with the objectives of the Prize
All application materials must be submitted in either:
- English
- French
Nomination Requirement
An important requirement of the programme is that candidates cannot apply independently without official endorsement.
Self-Nominations Are Not Accepted
Every application must be supported by a formal nomination from an eligible institution or organization.
Applications submitted without an approved nomination will not be considered.
Who Can Nominate Candidates?
Eligible nominating bodies include:
- Governments of UNESCO Member States
- National Commissions for UNESCO
- UNESCO-affiliated Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- UNESCO Chairs
- UNESCO Category 2 Institutes and Centres
- International Scientific Unions
- Universities through authorized institutional representatives
Authorized university representatives may include:
- Vice Chancellors
- Rectors
- Deans
- Department Heads
- Senior University Administrators
Individual faculty members cannot submit nominations independently unless officially authorized by their institution.
Required Nomination Documents
Each nomination must include:
- Formal recommendation letter
- Description of the candidate’s achievements
- Summary of research outputs and publications
- Explanation of how the candidate contributes to the objectives of the Prize
Important Note
Each nominating institution may submit a maximum of three candidates.
Separate nomination packages are required for each candidate.
Important Submission Guidelines
Applicants and nominators should ensure that:
- Applications are submitted before the deadline
- Nomination materials are completed and verified
- Supporting documents are provided in English or French
- UNESCO account verification is completed by nominators
- Late submissions will not be accepted
- Incomplete applications may be disqualified
Applicants are advised to work closely with their nominating organizations to avoid delays during the submission process.
Why This Prize Matters
Scientific innovation plays a critical role in addressing global challenges such as:
- Climate change
- Food security
- Public health
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable development
- Technological advancement
By recognizing outstanding young researchers, the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize helps amplify innovative ideas that can shape a better future.
The programme also provides emerging scientists with international visibility, professional credibility, and opportunities for collaboration across borders.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize presents an outstanding opportunity for young scientists to gain global recognition for their contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
With five awards worth $50,000 each, the programme continues to support emerging scientific leaders whose work is helping solve real-world challenges and advance sustainable development worldwide.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to begin preparing their application materials and secure nominations well ahead of the November 30, 2026 deadline.
Apply Now
Visit the official UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize webpage for complete nomination guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application instructions or APPLY HERE
