Open Call for Emerging Sustainability Leader Award

The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) recognizes outstanding early-career researchers who have demonstrated excellence in sustainability research through innovation, scientific achievement, and measurable societal impact. The winner receives a USD 20,000 unrestricted cash prize and a customized trophy presented at the World Sustainability Forum 2027.

Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA)

The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) honors exceptional early-career researchers whose work advances sustainable development through high-quality research, innovative solutions, and leadership. The award celebrates individuals whose research contributes to environmental, social, and economic sustainability while addressing global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The award is presented by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation and recognizes researchers with strong potential to become future leaders in sustainability science.

Focus Areas

The award recognizes research related to:

• Sustainability research
• Environmental sustainability
• Ecological systems
• Social sustainability
• Cultural development
• Economic sustainability
• Sustainable development
• Scientific innovation
• Interdisciplinary research
• Climate action
• Biodiversity conservation
• Sustainable resource management
• Sustainable technologies
• Sustainable communities
• Evidence-based policy
• Leadership in sustainability
• Research collaboration
• Knowledge sharing
• Community engagement
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sustainability Pillars

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

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

Award Amount

The selected recipient will receive:

• USD 20,000 unrestricted cash prize
• A customized ESLA trophy
• Presentation of the award at the World Sustainability Forum 2027

The cash prize may be used to support:

• Ongoing research
• Academic development
• Sustainability initiatives
• Professional growth

The award is non-transferable and may only be received once by an individual.

Purpose of the Award

The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award aims to:

• Recognize outstanding early-career researchers.
• Promote scientific excellence in sustainability.
• Encourage innovative and practical sustainability solutions.
• Support future leaders in sustainability research.
• Advance interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Increase the societal impact of sustainability research.
• Promote research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Scientific excellence
• Research quality
• Innovation
• Contribution to at least two sustainability pillars
• Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Feasibility of proposed solutions
• Leadership potential
• Collaboration and partnership
• Outreach and public engagement
• Broader societal impact

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Early-career researchers
• Researchers with an excellent record of sustainability-related research
• Candidates who typically completed their PhD within the past 10 years
• Researchers demonstrating leadership potential and academic excellence

Applications may be submitted through:

• Self-nomination
• Third-party nomination by individuals familiar with the candidate’s research and impact

Award Conditions

Recipients should note that:

• The award is presented only once to an individual.
• The cash prize is unrestricted.
• The award cannot be transferred to another person.
• The MDPI Sustainability Foundation may revoke or withhold the award in cases of:
  • Misrepresentation
  • Ethical misconduct
  • Failure to satisfy eligibility requirements

Why This Award Matters

The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award recognizes researchers whose work creates meaningful environmental, social, and economic impact.

The award helps:

• Highlight emerging leaders in sustainability.
• Encourage innovative interdisciplinary research.
• Support career development.
• Increase international recognition.
• Promote research with practical real-world applications.
• Advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Inspire future sustainability leadership.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing a nomination:

1. Confirm eligibility as an early-career researcher.
2. Review the award evaluation criteria.
3. Demonstrate contributions to at least two sustainability pillars.
4. Explain how the research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
5. Highlight innovation and scientific excellence.
6. Provide evidence of leadership, collaboration, and outreach activities.
7. Prepare all required supporting documents.
8. Submit the application through either self-nomination or third-party nomination before the application deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the sustainability challenge addressed.
• Demonstrate measurable research impact.
• Show interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Highlight leadership experience.
• Present evidence of innovation.
• Explain how the research contributes to the SDGs.
• Include publications, partnerships, and outreach activities.
• Emphasize practical implementation and long-term benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to demonstrate contributions to at least two sustainability pillars.
• Providing insufficient evidence of research impact.
• Weak explanation of SDG alignment.
• Overlooking leadership and collaboration achievements.
• Submitting incomplete nomination materials.
• Not clearly demonstrating early-career eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Early-career researchers with a strong record of sustainability-related research, typically having completed their PhD within the past 10 years.

How much is the award?

The recipient receives an unrestricted USD 20,000 cash prize and a customized trophy.

Can researchers nominate themselves?

Yes. Both self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted.

What sustainability themes are considered?

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

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.

Can the prize money be used for any purpose?

Yes. The cash prize is unrestricted and may support research, academic development, or other sustainability-related initiatives.

Can someone receive the award more than once?

No. The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award can only be awarded once to an individual.

Conclusion

The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) recognizes exceptional early-career researchers whose innovative work advances environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By providing a USD 20,000 unrestricted prize and international recognition at the World Sustainability Forum 2027, the award supports emerging leaders whose research contributes to scientific excellence, sustainable development, and meaningful real-world impact.