Nominations open for World Sustainability Award

Deadline: 30-Nov-2026

The World Sustainability Award (WSA) recognizes senior researchers whose outstanding contributions have significantly advanced sustainability research through scientific excellence, innovation, and real-world impact. The recipient receives a USD 100,000 cash prize, a customized trophy, and international recognition during the World Sustainability Forum 2027.

World Sustainability Award (WSA)

The World Sustainability Award (WSA) honors internationally recognized senior researchers whose work has made transformative contributions to sustainability science and practice. Presented by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, the award celebrates sustained academic excellence, leadership, and innovative research that addresses global sustainability challenges.

The award recognizes researchers whose work has influenced policy, advanced scientific knowledge, strengthened institutions, and contributed to sustainable development through interdisciplinary research and practical solutions.

Focus Areas

The award recognizes excellence in:

• Sustainability research
• Environmental sustainability
• Ecological systems
• Climate change
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable development
• Social sustainability
• Cultural development
• Economic sustainability
• Green innovation
• Sustainable resource management
• Circular economy
• Climate resilience
• Sustainable technologies
• Sustainable communities
• Interdisciplinary research
• Evidence-based policymaking
• Research leadership
• Knowledge transfer
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sustainability Pillars

Eligible research should contribute to at least two of the following sustainability pillars:

• Biosphere: Environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, ecological systems, climate resilience, and natural resource management.
• Society: Social development, equity, education, public wellbeing, cultural sustainability, and community resilience.
• Economy: Sustainable economic growth, innovation, responsible production, green technologies, and resource efficiency.

Award Amount

The selected recipient will receive:

• USD 100,000 unrestricted cash prize
• A customized World Sustainability Award trophy
• International recognition at the World Sustainability Forum 2027

Travel and accommodation expenses for attending the award ceremony will be covered by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, subject to its terms.

Where attendance is not possible due to health, accessibility, or other valid reasons, alternative arrangements such as remote participation or representation by a delegate may be approved.

Purpose of the Award

The World Sustainability Award aims to:

• Recognize internationally respected sustainability researchers.
• Celebrate transformative scientific contributions.
• Promote innovative sustainability solutions.
• Encourage interdisciplinary research.
• Advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• Highlight leadership in sustainability science.
• Inspire future generations of sustainability researchers.

Evaluation Criteria

Nominations are evaluated based on:

• Sustained scientific excellence
• Academic achievements
• Contributions to at least two sustainability pillars
• Innovation and practical application
• Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Long-term societal impact
• International research influence
• Scholarly leadership
• Mentorship of future researchers
• Institutional development
• Policy contributions

Who is Eligible?

Eligible nominees must:

• Be senior researchers.
• Have an internationally recognized record of sustainability-related research.
• Demonstrate sustained scientific excellence.
• Show significant academic and societal impact.
• Contribute to at least two sustainability pillars.
• Demonstrate leadership through research, mentorship, institution-building, or policy influence.

Nomination Requirements

Applications must be submitted through:

• Third-party nominations only

Nominators should:

• Be familiar with the nominee’s research.
• Demonstrate the nominee’s impact and leadership.
• Provide all required supporting documentation.
• Explain how the nominee meets the award criteria.

Self-nominations are not accepted.

Award Conditions

Recipients should note that:

• The award includes a USD 100,000 unrestricted cash prize.
• The recipient is expected to participate in the World Sustainability Forum award ceremony.
• Travel and accommodation are covered by the Foundation, subject to its policies.
• Remote participation or delegate representation may be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

Why This Award Matters

The World Sustainability Award recognizes researchers whose work has produced lasting scientific, environmental, social, and economic impact.

The award helps:

• Celebrate global sustainability leadership.
• Promote evidence-based sustainability research.
• Recognize interdisciplinary innovation.
• Encourage international collaboration.
• Highlight policy-relevant research.
• Support continued scientific excellence.
• Advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing a nomination:

1. Confirm that the nominee meets the senior researcher eligibility requirements.
2. Review the award evaluation criteria.
3. Demonstrate sustained scientific excellence.
4. Highlight contributions to at least two sustainability pillars.
5. Explain the nominee’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
6. Document leadership, mentorship, institutional development, and policy contributions.
7. Prepare all supporting evidence and nomination materials.
8. Submit the nomination through an eligible third-party nominator before the application deadline.

Tips for a Strong Nomination

• Demonstrate long-term scientific impact.
• Provide evidence of international recognition.
• Highlight interdisciplinary research achievements.
• Explain practical applications of the research.
• Include examples of policy influence.
• Showcase leadership and mentorship contributions.
• Demonstrate measurable societal benefits.
• Clearly explain contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a self-nomination.
• Providing limited evidence of long-term impact.
• Failing to demonstrate contributions to at least two sustainability pillars.
• Weak explanation of SDG alignment.
• Omitting leadership or mentorship achievements.
• Submitting incomplete nomination materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can be nominated?

Senior researchers with an internationally recognized record of sustainability research and significant academic and societal impact.

What is the award amount?

The recipient receives an unrestricted USD 100,000 cash prize and a customized trophy.

Can researchers nominate themselves?

No. Only third-party nominations are accepted.

What sustainability themes are considered?

Research should contribute to at least two sustainability pillars: Biosphere, Society, and Economy.

Is attendance at the award ceremony required?

Recipients are expected to attend the World Sustainability Forum 2027. If attendance is not possible for valid reasons, remote participation or delegate representation may be arranged with the Foundation.

Does the Foundation cover travel expenses?

Yes. Travel and accommodation expenses for the award ceremony are covered by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, subject to its terms.

Does the research need to align with the Sustainable Development Goals?

Yes. Strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is an important evaluation criterion.

Conclusion

The World Sustainability Award (WSA) recognizes senior researchers whose groundbreaking work has transformed sustainability research and delivered lasting environmental, social, and economic impact. By offering a USD 100,000 unrestricted prize and international recognition at the World Sustainability Forum 2027, the award celebrates scientific excellence, leadership, innovation, and meaningful contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information, visit MDPI Sustainability Foundation.