The call for nominations for the third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is now open. 

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM aims to boost STEM research, education, and international cooperation to tackle challenges addressed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

ELIGIBILITY:

Achievements: Candidates must 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

Age: Candidates must be under 40 years old at the time of the application deadline.

Gender equality: Nominations of young women scientists are strongly encouraged to promote gender balance in STEM fields.

The candidate should complete the application dossier following the steps below:

Register online: Create a candidate account, verify your email, and complete user profile information.

Complete the dossier: Complete your profile and application, providing detailed information about your background, achievements and contributions in line with the submission criteria, and upload all necessary documents including:

A description of your background and achievements

A summary of your work, publications, and other significant contributions

A statement detailing your contribution to the objectives of the Prize

Nomination requirement: Ensure your nomination is submitted by an eligible nominator prior to submitting the application dossier (the nomination process is detailed below).

Language requirement: All applications must be completed in full in English or French.

Deadline: Please ensure your online application and completed nomination are submitted by 30 November 2026 (midnight, UTC+1).

An application is valid only with a nomination. Nominations must be completed in full in English or French and submitted before the deadline on 30 November 2026 (midnight, UTC+1). Self-nomination shall not be considered. 

The nominations can be submitted by the following entities: 

Governments of  Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions

Non-governmental organizations maintaining official partnerships with UNESCO and active in relevant fields covered by the Prize

UNESCO Chairs

Category 2 Institutes and Centres under the auspices of UNESCO

International scientific unions

Universities: For example, Head of a Department, Dean or a University management professional. Please note that individual faculty members and staff can not nominate candidates.

BENEFIT:

Presented every two years to five laureates representing Africa, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean, the Prize awards each recipient USD 50,000, along with a medal and diploma. The UNESCO–Al Fozan International Prize also reflects UNESCO’s commitment to gender equality by encouraging and inspiring more women to pursue careers in STEM fields.