Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The TWAS–Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award recognizes outstanding women scientists from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) whose research has made significant environmental and biodiversity impacts. The 2026 edition focuses on sustainability-driven scientific innovation across energy, environment, climate, and ecological systems, and requires formal nomination with detailed evidence of scientific achievements and impact.
Award Overview
This international scientific award highlights women researchers working in Least Developed Countries who are advancing solutions to global environmental and sustainability challenges. It promotes scientific excellence with a strong focus on real-world environmental impact and long-term sustainability outcomes.
The award is part of TWAS initiatives supporting science in developing countries, particularly in addressing global environmental and ecological crises.
Focus Areas and Scientific Themes
The award recognizes contributions in the following areas:
- Clean and renewable energy technologies
- Green chemistry and sustainable industrial processes
- Sustainable agriculture and agrobiodiversity
- Plastic degradation and microplastics research
- Water purification and sanitation systems
- Climate change science and environmental impact studies
- Smart city transportation technologies
- Waste management and circular economy solutions
- Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration
- Ecological economics and planetary health
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible nominees must:
- Be women scientists
- Be nationals of a Least Developed Country (LDC)
- Have lived and worked in an LDC for at least two years prior to nomination
- Demonstrate significant scientific contributions in sustainability-related fields
Ineligibility conditions include:
- TWAS Fellows are not eligible
- Previous winners of TWAS-named awards cannot be nominated for different TWAS Fellow awards
- Self-nominations are not allowed
- Nominations from jury members are not permitted
- A nominee cannot be entered for multiple TWAS Fellow awards in the same year
Nomination Requirements
A complete nomination must include:
- Full contact details of both nominator and nominee
- Authorization from the nominee for personal data processing
- Suggested award citation summarizing achievements
- Detailed statement of scientific impact and significance
- Forward-looking research or innovation plan
Supporting Documentation Required
Applicants must also submit:
- Information on international travel in the past two years
- PhD details and academic qualifications
- Memberships in scientific academies and professional societies
- List of awards, honors, and recognitions
- List of 10 key scientific publications
- Full curriculum vitae (CV)
- Complete publication record
- Google Scholar metrics including h-index and citation count
Purpose of the Award
The award aims to:
- Recognize high-impact environmental and sustainability research
- Promote leadership of women scientists in LDCs
- Encourage scientific solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges
- Highlight research with real-world environmental applications
- Strengthen global visibility of scientific work from LDCs
- Support future innovation in sustainability science
Key Evaluation Criteria
Nominations are assessed based on:
- Scientific excellence and originality
- Environmental and biodiversity impact
- Relevance to sustainability challenges
- Contribution to knowledge advancement
- Evidence of research influence and recognition
- Future research potential and innovation outlook
Why This Award Matters
This award is important because it:
- Elevates women scientists in Least Developed Countries
- Promotes global sustainability-focused research
- Highlights science-driven environmental solutions
- Encourages innovation in climate and ecological resilience
- Strengthens international scientific recognition for LDC researchers
- Supports long-term planetary health and biodiversity protection
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Nominations may be rejected if they:
- Do not meet nationality or residency requirements
- Are submitted as self-nominations
- Lack required documentation or publication evidence
- Do not clearly demonstrate scientific impact
- Omit key academic or citation information
- Fail to include authorization for data processing
- Do not provide a forward-looking research plan
Tips for a Strong Nomination
- Clearly highlight measurable scientific impact
- Provide strong evidence of environmental relevance
- Ensure complete and accurate publication records
- Emphasize innovation and real-world application
- Include detailed citation of achievements
- Demonstrate leadership in sustainability research
- Present a compelling future research vision
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be nominated for this award?
Women scientists who are nationals of Least Developed Countries and currently living and working there.
What fields are eligible?
Environmental, climate, energy, agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainability-related sciences.
Can someone nominate themselves?
No, self-nominations are not allowed.
Are TWAS Fellows eligible?
No, TWAS Fellows are excluded from eligibility.
What documentation is required?
CV, publications, citation metrics, awards, academic history, and detailed impact statements.
Is this award open globally?
No, it is restricted to women scientists from Least Developed Countries.
What is the main purpose of the award?
To recognize and promote outstanding scientific contributions to environmental sustainability and biodiversity.
Conclusion
The TWAS–Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award 2026 celebrates exceptional women scientists from Least Developed Countries who are driving impactful research in environmental sustainability. By recognizing scientific excellence in climate, biodiversity, and ecological innovation, it strengthens global efforts toward a more sustainable future.
For more information, visit TWAS.