Award

UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize 2026: Win USD 50,000 for Outstanding Achievements in STEM Research, Innovation, and International Cooperation

Organisation · Africa

At a glance

Type: Award
Organisation: Organisation
Location: Africa
Work mode: On-site
Deadline: Rolling / not stated
Posted: 5 Jun 2026

About this award

Young scientists and innovators around the world now have an exceptional opportunity to gain international recognition for their contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). UNESCO has officially launched the call for nominations and applications for the third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM. This globally recognized biennial prize celebrates outstanding young researchers, innovators, educators, and scientific leaders whose work contributes to advancing scientific knowledge, strengthening STEM education, promoting innovation, and fostering international cooperation in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Five outstanding laureates from different regions of the world will each receive a monetary award of USD 50,000, in addition to a medal and diploma recognizing their achievements and contributions to society. <h2>Application Deadline</h2> Deadline: 30 November 2026 (Midnight UTC+1) Applicants and nominators are strongly encouraged to begin the application process early to allow sufficient time for account verification, nomination submission, and document preparation. <h2>About the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize</h2> The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM was established to strengthen scientific research, improve STEM education, encourage innovation, and enhance international scientific cooperation. The Prize supports UNESCO’s broader mission of promoting science as a driver of sustainable development and recognizes young scientists whose work addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, technological innovation, education, public health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic advancement. Through this initiative, UNESCO seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists while encouraging governments, institutions, and communities to invest in scientific excellence and innovation. The Prize also places a strong emphasis on gender equality by encouraging the participation and recognition of women and girls in STEM disciplines. <h2>Prize Benefits</h2> Selected laureates will receive: <h3>Financial Award</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">USD 50,000 for each laureate</li> </ul> <h3>International Recognition</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">UNESCO international recognition</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Global visibility among scientific communities</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased opportunities for collaboration and networking</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Enhanced professional credibility</li> </ul> <h3>Official Honors</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">UNESCO-Al Fozan Prize Medal</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">UNESCO-Al Fozan Prize Diploma</li> </ul> <h3>Career Advancement Opportunities</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased exposure to global scientific networks</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Opportunities for international partnerships</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Recognition from leading scientific institutions worldwide</li> </ul> <h2>Number of Awards Available</h2> The Prize is awarded to five laureates every two years, representing the following geographical regions: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Africa</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Arab States</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Asia and the Pacific</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Europe and North America</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Latin America and the Caribbean</li> </ol> This regional representation ensures global inclusion and recognizes scientific excellence across diverse communities and research environments. <h2>Objectives of the Prize</h2> The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize aims to: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Promote excellence in STEM research</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Encourage innovation and scientific discovery</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Support STEM education and knowledge dissemination</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Strengthen international scientific cooperation</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increase participation of women and girls in STEM</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Inspire future generations of scientists and innovators</li> </ul> <h2>Who Can Apply?</h2> The Prize is open to young scientists, researchers, innovators, educators, and STEM professionals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in their respective fields. Candidates must have achieved significant recognition for their work and demonstrate measurable impact within their area of expertise. <h2>Eligibility Criteria</h2> <h3>Age Requirement</h3> Applicants must: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Be under 40 years of age on the application deadline date (30 November 2026)</li> </ul> <h3>Achievement Requirement</h3> Candidates must have demonstrated significant achievements or contributions in one or more of the following areas: <h4>1. STEM Research</h4> Including: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scientific research</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Applied research</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Emerging technologies</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Breakthrough discoveries</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Innovative scientific solutions</li> </ul> <h4>2. STEM Education and Innovation</h4> Including: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">STEM teaching and learning initiatives</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Science communication</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dissemination of research findings</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Educational innovation</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Creativity and technological innovation</li> </ul> <h4>3. International or Regional Cooperation</h4> Including: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cross-border scientific collaboration</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Regional research partnerships</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International STEM initiatives</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scientific diplomacy</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Knowledge-sharing programmes</li> </ul> <h2>Focus on Gender Equality</h2> UNESCO strongly encourages nominations of young women scientists. The Prize seeks to address gender disparities in STEM by recognizing female scientific leaders and inspiring more girls and young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. <h2>Application Process</h2> Applicants must complete an online application dossier. <h3>Step 1: Create an Online Account</h3> Candidates must: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Register online</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Verify their email address</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Complete their profile information</li> </ul> <h3>Step 2: Complete the Application Dossier</h3> Applicants must provide detailed information about: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Educational background</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Professional achievements</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scientific contributions</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Research impact</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Innovation activities</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International collaboration experience</li> </ul> <h3>Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents</h3> Required documents include: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Description of background and achievements</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Summary of research work and publications</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Evidence of significant contributions</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Statement explaining contribution to the Prize objectives</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Additional supporting documentation</li> </ul> <h3>Step 4: Secure a Valid Nomination</h3> Applications are only valid if accompanied by an eligible nomination. Candidates must ensure their nominator submits the nomination before the application deadline. <h3>Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline</h3> Both the application and nomination must be completed by: 30 November 2026 (Midnight UTC+1) <h2>Nomination Requirements</h2> A nomination is mandatory. Applications submitted without an eligible nomination will not be considered. <h3>Who Can Nominate?</h3> Eligible nominators include: <h4>Government Institutions</h4> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Governments of UNESCO Member States</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">National Commissions for UNESCO</li> </ul> <h4>UNESCO Partners</h4> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">UNESCO Chairs</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Category 2 Institutes and Centres under UNESCO</li> </ul> <h4>Scientific Organizations</h4> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International scientific unions</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Relevant scientific bodies</li> </ul> <h4>Non-Governmental Organizations</h4> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">NGOs maintaining official partnerships with UNESCO</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Organizations active in STEM-related fields</li> </ul> <h4>Universities</h4> Eligible university representatives include: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Department Heads</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Deans</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">University management officials</li> </ul> Individual faculty members and staff members are not eligible to submit nominations independently. <h2>What Must a Nomination Include?</h2> A nomination should contain: <h3>Candidate Background</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Professional profile</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Educational background</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Major achievements</li> </ul> <h3>Scientific Contributions</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Publications</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Research outputs</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Innovation achievements</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Major accomplishments</li> </ul> <h3>Contribution to Prize Objectives</h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Impact on STEM advancement</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Educational contributions</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Innovation and scientific leadership</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">International cooperation efforts</li> </ul> <h2>Important Application Notes</h2> Applicants should carefully note the following: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Self-nominations alone are not accepted</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Applications must be completed in English or French</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nominations must be completed in English or French</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Incomplete submissions will be rejected</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Late applications will not be accepted</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Account verification may require additional time</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Each nominating institution may nominate up to three candidates</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Supporting documents must be submitted before the deadline</li> </ul> <h2>Why This Prize Matters</h2> The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for emerging scientific leaders. Beyond the financial award, the Prize provides recipients with international visibility, global recognition, and access to influential scientific networks that can accelerate their careers and amplify the impact of their work. For young researchers and innovators dedicated to solving global challenges through science and technology, this Prize represents a powerful platform for showcasing excellence and contributing to sustainable development worldwide. <h2>How to Apply</h2> Click <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/third-edition-unesco-al-fozan-international-prize-promotion-young-scientists-science-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> for more and to apply Interested candidates should begin preparing their applications and securing eligible nominators as early as possible to ensure successful submission before the deadline. <h2>Final Thoughts</h2> The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM offers an extraordinary opportunity for young scientists, researchers, innovators, and educators to gain international recognition for their contributions to science and society. With five awards of USD 50,000 each, global visibility, and recognition from UNESCO, the Prize celebrates the next generation of scientific leaders working to advance knowledge, innovation, education, and sustainable development around the world. Eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications and nominations well ahead of the 30 November 2026 deadline. Click <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=award" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> for more global award opportunities   The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/05/unesco-al-fozan-international-prize-2026-win-usd-50000-for-outstanding-achievements-in-stem-research-innovation-and-international-cooperation/">UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize 2026: Win USD 50,000 for Outstanding Achievements in STEM Research, Innovation, and International Cooperation</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.

How to apply

1 Read the full details above and confirm you meet the eligibility criteria.
2 Prepare your documents — an updated CV, and any cover letter, proposal or certificates required.
3 Click Apply on official site to complete your application on Organisation’s official page.
4 Submit as early as possible — many close once filled.

Apply on official site

Sourced from opps_for_youth. Always verify details on the official website. Opportunihub never charges you to apply.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize 2026: Win USD 50,000 for Outstanding Achievements in STEM Research, Innovation, and International Cooperation?

Review the full details and eligibility on this page, prepare your documents, then use the “Apply on official site” button to complete your application on Organisation’s official page.

Is this opportunity remote or location-based?

This opportunity is based in Africa. Check the official listing for any relocation or on-site requirements.

Is UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize 2026: Win USD 50,000 for Outstanding Achievements in STEM Research, Innovation, and International Cooperation free to apply for?

Opportunihub lists this Award for free. Legitimate Awards do not ask for payment to apply — never pay a fee to submit an application.