Deadline: 15-Dec-2025
The World Sustainability Award (WSA) celebrates individuals who have made pioneering contributions to sustainability research. It recognizes excellence across diverse academic disciplines and highlights research that has had a transformative impact.
For the 2026 edition, three awards will be presented—one in each of the core categories: Biosphere, Society, and Economy. Each winner will receive a prize of $50,000, totaling $150,000 in awards. These honors will be formally presented during the World Sustainability Forum 2026.
The prize funds are given without restrictions, allowing recipients the freedom to use the money for ongoing research, academic growth, or sustainability initiatives. The award is designed to support and amplify the impact of outstanding scholarly work.
Eligible nominees must be senior researchers with a strong international profile in sustainability-related work. Nominations must come from third parties who are familiar with the nominee’s research and impact. The Selection Committee will consist of at least three members, each representing one of the award categories.
Winners are chosen based on the quality and diversity of nominations. If no suitable candidate is identified in a specific category, the award for that category may not be granted in that year.
The evaluation of nominees will consider several key factors. Scientific excellence is essential, demonstrated through sustained and high-quality research in disciplinary or interdisciplinary contexts. The research must contribute to at least two of the three sustainability pillars: environmental systems (Biosphere), social development (Society), and economic innovation (Economy).
In addition to originality, the work must offer practical, applicable solutions to current sustainability challenges. It should also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The nominee’s leadership and influence within academic or policy communities, including mentorship and institutional roles, will also be assessed as part of the selection process.
For more information, visit MDPI Sustainability Foundation.
