The third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics recognizes young scientists whose work contributes to STEM research, education, innovation, or cooperation. Five laureates will each receive USD 50,000, a medal, and a diploma. Applications and nominations must be submitted by 30 November 2026 at midnight, UTC+1.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Category: Prize
Edition: Third Edition
Host: UNESCO
Number of Laureates: Five
Prize: USD 50,000, a medal, and a diploma for each laureate
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026 at midnight, UTC+1
Application Languages: English or French
About the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize 2026
The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize aims to advance STEM research, education, and international cooperation. It focuses on challenges addressed by the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Prize recognizes young people whose work contributes to socio-economic progress. It also encourages interest in science, particularly among women and girls, to promote gender equality and scientific careers.
The Prize is presented every two years to five laureates representing:
• Africa
• Arab States
• Asia and the Pacific
• Europe and North America
• Latin America and the Caribbean
Prize for Selected Laureates
Each selected laureate will receive:
✓ USD 50,000
✓ A medal
✓ A diploma
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
• Be under 40 years old at the application deadline.
• Have gained recognition for significant achievements or contributions in at least one eligible area.
Eligible areas include:
• STEM research, 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 support gender balance in STEM fields.
Application Requirements
Candidates must complete an online application dossier. The process includes:
• Creating a candidate account.
• Verifying the registered email address.
• Completing the user profile and application.
• Providing detailed information about the candidate’s background, achievements, and contributions.
• Uploading the required supporting documents.
• Ensuring that an eligible nominator submits a nomination before the application dossier is submitted.
The application dossier must include:
• A description of the candidate’s background and achievements.
• A summary of the candidate’s work, publications, and other significant contributions.
• A statement explaining the candidate’s contribution to the objectives of the Prize.
All applications and supporting documents must be completed in English or French.
Nomination Process
An application is valid only when accompanied by a nomination. Self-nominations are not considered.
Eligible nominations can be submitted by:
• Governments of UNESCO Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions.
• Non-governmental organizations that maintain official partnerships with UNESCO and work in relevant fields.
• UNESCO Chairs.
• Category 2 Institutes and Centres under the auspices of UNESCO.
• International scientific unions.
• Universities, including a Head of Department, Dean, or university management professional.
Individual university faculty members and staff cannot nominate candidates.
Nominators can submit a nomination letter for the candidate to upload with the application. Alternatively, an eligible nominating entity can register online and submit the nomination directly.
Application Deadline
The deadline for completed applications and nominations is 30 November 2026 at midnight, UTC+1.
Incomplete applications, incomplete nominations, and submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
Apply Here
➤ UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM
