UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for Young Scientists in STEM

Deadline: 30-Nov-2026

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize recognizes young scientists under 40 who have made significant contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The prize is awarded every two years to five laureates from different world regions, with each winner receiving USD 50,000, a medal, and a diploma. The prize promotes STEM research, STEM education, innovation, international cooperation, gender equality, and scientific careers among young people, especially women and girls.

Overview

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is inviting nominations and applications for the third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The prize supports young scientists whose work contributes to STEM research, STEM education, creativity, innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable development.

It aims to encourage young people to pursue scientific careers and to promote stronger participation of women and girls in STEM fields.

Key Focus Areas

The prize focuses on:

• STEM research
• STEM education
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Emerging technologies
• International cooperation
• Regional cooperation in STEM
• Dissemination of research findings
• Creativity and innovation
• Socio-economic progress
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Gender equality in STEM
• Scientific careers for young people
• Promotion of women and girls in science

Purpose of the Prize

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize aims to boost STEM research, STEM education, and international cooperation.

The prize recognizes young scientists whose work helps address global challenges linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.

It also encourages wider public interest in science and supports the development of future scientific leaders.

Prize Amount and Benefits

The prize is awarded every two years to five laureates.

Each laureate receives:

• USD 50,000
• Medal
• Diploma
• International recognition from UNESCO
• Visibility for their STEM research, education, innovation, or cooperation work

Regional Representation

The prize is presented to five laureates representing different regions.

The five regions are:

• Africa
• Arab States
• Asia and the Pacific
• Europe and North America
• Latin America and the Caribbean

This regional structure helps ensure global representation among young scientists.

Who is Eligible?

Candidates must be young scientists who have gained recognition for significant achievements or contributions in STEM.

Eligible candidates must:

• Be under 40 years old at the time of the application deadline
• Have significant achievements in STEM research, education, innovation, or cooperation
• Complete the online application dossier
• Be nominated by an eligible nominating entity
• Submit the nomination and application in English or French
• Provide all required documents before the deadline

Nominations of young women scientists are strongly encouraged to promote gender balance in STEM fields.

Eligible Areas of Achievement

Candidates may be recognized for contributions in one or more of the following areas:

• STEM research
• Emerging technologies
• STEM education
• Dissemination of research findings
• Creativity and innovation
• International cooperation in STEM
• Regional cooperation in STEM
• Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals
• Promotion of scientific careers among young people
• Work that supports socio-economic progress

Nomination Requirement

An application is valid only with a nomination.

Self-nominations will not be considered unless the candidate is nominated by an eligible nominating entity.

This means candidates must secure support from an approved institution or organization before their application can be considered.

Eligible Nominating Entities

Eligible nominators include:

• Governments of UNESCO Member States in consultation with their National Commissions
• Non-governmental organizations maintaining official partnerships with UNESCO and active in relevant prize fields
• UNESCO Chairs
• Category 2 Institutes and Centres under the auspices of UNESCO
• International scientific unions
• Universities through authorized representatives

University nominations must be submitted by authorized representatives such as:

• Head of department
• Dean
• University management professional

Individual faculty members and staff cannot nominate candidates.

Nomination Limit

Each eligible nominating entity may nominate a maximum of three candidates.

Each nomination must be submitted separately.

Required Application Materials

The candidate must complete an online application dossier.

The application must include:

• Candidate background and achievements
• Summary of the candidate’s work
• Publications
• Other significant contributions
• Statement explaining how the candidate contributes to the objectives of the prize
• Required supporting documents uploaded through the online system

How to Apply

Candidates and nominating entities should follow the online application and nomination process carefully.

Step 1: Identify an Eligible Nominator

The candidate must first secure nomination support from an eligible nominating entity.

This may include a UNESCO Member State government, UNESCO partner NGO, UNESCO Chair, Category 2 Institute or Centre, international scientific union, or authorized university representative.

Step 2: Register Online

The candidate must register through the online application platform.

After registration, the candidate must verify their email address.

Step 3: Complete the User Profile

The candidate must complete their online user profile with accurate personal and professional information.

The profile should clearly reflect the candidate’s STEM background, achievements, and contributions.

Step 4: Prepare the Application Dossier

The candidate should prepare a complete application dossier.

The dossier should describe:

• Academic and professional background
• Key achievements in STEM
• Research, education, innovation, or cooperation contributions
• Publications and major outputs
• Relevance to the prize objectives
• Contribution to socio-economic progress or the Sustainable Development Goals

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

The candidate must upload all required documents through the online platform.

Documents should be clear, complete, and aligned with the prize requirements.

Step 6: Submit the Nomination

The eligible nominating entity must complete and submit the nomination.

The nomination must be submitted separately for each candidate and must be completed in English or French.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Both the application dossier and nomination must be completed before the deadline.

Late, incomplete, or unsupported applications may not be considered.

Why It Matters

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize matters because young scientists play a major role in solving global challenges.

STEM research and innovation can support progress in health, climate action, education, technology, engineering, sustainability, and economic development.

The prize also helps address gender imbalance in STEM by strongly encouraging nominations of young women scientists.

By recognizing young researchers and innovators, the prize helps build global scientific leadership for the future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants and nominators should avoid the following mistakes:

• Submitting a self-nomination without an eligible nominating entity
• Applying after the age limit
• Missing the application deadline
• Submitting incomplete documents
• Providing unclear descriptions of achievements
• Not explaining how the candidate contributes to the prize objectives
• Submitting nominations in a language other than English or French
• Having an unauthorized university staff member submit the nomination
• Exceeding the limit of three nominations per eligible nominating entity
• Submitting the same nomination improperly or without required supporting information

Tips for a Strong Application

A strong application should clearly show the candidate’s STEM achievements and future potential.

Useful tips include:

• Clearly describe the candidate’s most significant STEM contribution.
• Explain how the work supports the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Highlight innovation, creativity, and scientific impact.
• Show how the candidate’s work contributes to socio-economic progress.
• Include strong evidence of research, education, or cooperation achievements.
• Emphasize international or regional relevance where applicable.
• Clearly explain dissemination of research findings.
• Encourage nominations of young women scientists where eligible.
• Ensure the nomination comes from an approved entity.
• Submit all documents in English or French before the deadline.

FAQ

1. What is the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize?

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize recognizes young scientists who have made significant contributions to STEM research, STEM education, innovation, international cooperation, and socio-economic progress.

2. How much is the prize worth?

Each laureate receives USD 50,000, along with a medal and diploma.

3. How many laureates are selected?

Five laureates are selected every two years, representing Africa, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

4. Who can be nominated?

Young scientists under 40 years old at the application deadline who have gained recognition for significant achievements in STEM may be nominated.

5. Are self-nominations accepted?

Self-nominations are not considered unless the candidate is nominated by an eligible nominating entity.

6. Who can nominate candidates?

Eligible nominators include UNESCO Member State governments, UNESCO partner NGOs, UNESCO Chairs, Category 2 Institutes and Centres, international scientific unions, and universities through authorized representatives.

7. What language should nominations be submitted in?

Nominations must be completed in English or French.

Conclusion

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize provides major international recognition for young scientists advancing STEM research, education, innovation, and cooperation.

With five regional laureates receiving USD 50,000 each, the prize supports scientific excellence and encourages young people, especially women and girls, to pursue STEM careers. Strong applications should clearly demonstrate significant achievements, alignment with the prize objectives, contribution to sustainable development, and nomination by an eligible entity.

For more information, visit UNESCO.