Call for nomination: UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM

About the Prize

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM aims to boost research, education, and global cooperation to tackle challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It recognises young innovators whose work drives global socio-economic progress, while encouraging interest in science, particularly among women and girls, to foster gender equality and promote scientific careers.

Awarded biennially to five laureates from the five geographic regions of UNESCO (Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America and Latin America and the Caribbean), the Prize includes $50,000, a medal, and a diploma for each winner. The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize aligns with UNESCO’s focus on Gender Equality, aiming to inspire more women to pursue STEM careers.

Eligibility criteria

Achievements: candidates must have gained recognition for significant achievements or contributions in one or more of the following areas:
- Research in STEM, including emerging technologies
- STEM education, dissemination of research findings, creativity, and innovation
- International or regional cooperation in STEM
Age: candidates must be under 40 years old at the time of the application deadline.
Gender equality: nominations of young women scientists are strongly encouraged to promote gender balance in STEM fields.

Application process

Register online: create a candidate account here and complete user profile information.
Complete the application form: provide detailed information about your achievements and contributions in line with the submission criteria.
Prepare supporting documents: upload all necessary supporting documents, including:
- A description of your background and achievements
- A summary of your work, publications, and other significant contributions
- A statement detailing your contribution to the objectives of the Prize
Language requirement: all applications must be completed in full in English or French.
Deadline: ensure that your application is submitted online before the deadline on 15 April 2025.

Nomination process

The nominations can be submitted by the following entities:

Governments of  Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions.
Non-governmental organizations maintaining official partnerships with UNESCO and active in relevant fields covered by the Prize.
UNESCO Chairs.
Category 2 Centres.
International scientific unions.
Universities: for example Head of a Department, Dean or a University management professional. Please note that individual faculty members and staff can not nominate candidates.

Nominations must be completed in full in English or French.

Please note that self-nomination shall not be considered.

There are two methods for submitting a nomination:

The nominating entity can register online as a nominator and submit the
nomination directly.
The nominating entity can provide the candidate with a nomination letter to upload directly with their application before submission.

Nomination letter requirements:

Must be written on the official letterhead of the nominating entity.
Include the name, email address, and telephone number of the nominator.
Be signed by an authorized representative of the entity.
Include official stamps or seals, if available, to verify the endorsement.

How to nominate a candidate:

Register online: authorized representatives from eligible nominating entities should visit the application website to create a nominator account and provide the required information.
Account verification: the account will undergo verification. Once complete, it will be activated for submitting nominations.
Nominate a candidate by email:
- Enter candidate details: first name, last name, and email address in the designated fields.
- Enter recommendation: provide the recommendation information, including:
  - A description of the candidate’s background and achievements
  - A summary of the candidate’s work, publications, and other significant contributions
  - A statement detailing the candidate’s contribution to the objectives of the Prize
- Submission: submit the nomination. If the candidate already exists in our system, your nomination will be linked to their profile. If not, an invitation email will be sent to them, informing them about the nomination and requesting them to submit their application.
Nominate a candidate by application number:
- Enter application number: if the candidate has provided you with their unique Application Number, enter it in the designated field.
- Enter recommendation: provide all your recommendation details as described above.
- Submission: the submitted nomination will be directly linked to the candidate’s existing application.
Language requirement: all nominations must be completed in full in English or French.
Deadline: ensure that the nomination is submitted online before the deadline on 15 April 2025.

Important notes

Account activation: only verified nominators can submit nominations. Please allow time for account verification when planning your submission.
Incomplete or late submissions: applications or nominations that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be considered.
Collaboration: nominators are encouraged to inform candidates of their nomination to ensure timely completion of their application.
Multiple nominations: an entity may submit multiple nominations, but each must be submitted separately.
Self-nomination: candidates are encouraged to apply directly; however, self-nominations without endorsement from an eligible nominating entity will not be considered.