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The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation

Deadline: 01-Jun-2026

The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation recognizes exceptional conservation scientists whose work combats the Sixth Mass Extinction and preserves global biodiversity. The 2026 prize awards US$80,000 in unrestricted funding to support continued research and conservation projects, with winners presenting their work at an award ceremony in Washington, DC. Applicants must be self-nominated, credentialed conservation scientists with demonstrable, measurable impact.

Overview

The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize honors individuals who have made substantial contributions to species conservation, promoting:

  • Preservation of global ecosystems

  • Innovative, scalable conservation solutions

  • Strengthened roles for zoos and aquariums in species protection

  • Actions addressing the Sixth Mass Extinction

The award seeks to highlight leaders in conservation science whose work demonstrates both creativity and measurable impact on biodiversity.

Objectives of the Prize

The 2026 prize aims to:

  1. Recognize conservation scientists with tangible achievements in species protection

  2. Support innovative and internationally scalable solutions to biodiversity loss

  3. Amplify the global role of zoos and aquariums in conservation

  4. Provide financial support to advance research, theory, and practical conservation applications

  5. Raise public awareness through a major international media campaign

Prize Details

  • Award amount: US$80,000 (unrestricted grant)

  • Eligibility: Individual conservation scientists

  • Application type: Self-nomination only

  • Award ceremony: Washington, DC, during the week of September 21, 2026

  • Participation: In-person attendance is mandatory for finalists

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be credentialed conservation scientists

  • Demonstrate evidence-based achievements with measurable impact on species conservation

  • Be living individuals (organizations, programs, or groups are ineligible)

  • Willing to attend the award ceremony in Washington, DC

  • Able to present a compelling narrative and evidence of conservation accomplishments

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

  1. Completed application form

  2. Written narrative (up to 750 words) describing conservation accomplishments and suitability for the prize

  3. Video (1–3 minutes) highlighting achievements and qualifications

  4. Curriculum vitae, resume, or professional biography

  5. One to three professional references

  6. Funding plan explaining how the grant will advance conservation work

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Review eligibility criteria carefully

  2. Prepare a concise and compelling narrative highlighting achievements

  3. Record a professional video summarizing work and impact

  4. Gather CV/bio and references

  5. Submit all materials via the official application portal

Why This Prize Matters

  • Provides financial resources to advance conservation initiatives

  • Amplifies global recognition of leading conservation scientists

  • Encourages innovative, scalable approaches to species protection

  • Highlights the importance of zoos and aquariums in addressing biodiversity loss

  • Supports the fight against the accelerating Sixth Mass Extinction

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Focus on measurable conservation outcomes

  • Demonstrate innovation and international applicability of your work

  • Highlight collaboration with zoos, aquariums, or global conservation networks

  • Ensure clarity, conciseness, and strong storytelling in narrative and video

  • Clearly describe how grant funds will advance conservation goals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting third-party nominations (self-nomination only)

  • Applying as an organization, program, or group instead of an individual

  • Providing insufficient evidence of measurable impact

  • Missing the mandatory in-person award ceremony

  • Exceeding word limits or video duration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Wolfgang Kiessling Prize?

Individual, credentialed conservation scientists with measurable achievements in species protection.

2. Can organizations or teams apply?

No. Only self-nominated individuals are eligible.

3. How much funding is provided?

The prize awards an unrestricted grant of US$80,000.

4. Is attendance at the award ceremony required?

Yes. Finalists must attend in person in Washington, DC, during the week of September 21, 2026.

5. What materials are required for the application?

Application form, written narrative (750 words max), 1–3 minute video, CV/resume/bio, 1–3 professional references, and a funding plan.

6. What type of conservation work is prioritized?

Work that addresses the Sixth Mass Extinction, develops innovative and scalable solutions, and strengthens the role of zoos and aquariums in species protection.

7. Can third-party nominations be submitted?

No. All applications must be self-nominated.

Conclusion

The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation offers a unique opportunity to recognize and support exceptional conservation scientists. With an US$80,000 unrestricted grant, media recognition, and international visibility, the award empowers scientists to advance global biodiversity protection, develop innovative solutions, and play a leading role in combating the Sixth Mass Extinction.

For more information, visit Global Humane Society.