UNESCO has officially opened the application process for the second edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This prestigious award, given every two years, aims to recognize and support the efforts of young individuals contributing to research, education, and international scientific cooperation.
The prize will be awarded to five talented young scientists, each representing one of UNESCO’s five geographic regions. The winners will receive a grant of USD 50,000 to help launch their careers, promote their research, and spread their ideas on a global platform. The prize is intended for candidates under the age of 40, reflecting UNESCO’s commitment to fostering the development of emerging young talent in the STEM fields.
The main purpose of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize is to strengthen the role of STEM in addressing global challenges, particularly those linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By supporting young researchers, the prize seeks to promote international cooperation in STEM, enhance the quality of STEM education, and push the boundaries of scientific research.
Eligible candidates and interested parties can submit their nominations via the official website of the UNESCO-Al Fozan Prize (https://unescoalfozanprize.org/). The application process will remain open until April 15, 2025, and nominations must be submitted by Member States through their National Commissions to UNESCO, or by non-governmental organizations officially partnered with UNESCO. Self-nominations will not be considered. Additionally, universities, UNESCO Chairs, category 2 centres, and international scientific unions are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates.
Each nomination must be accompanied by a written recommendation in English or French. The submission should include a detailed description of the candidate’s background, achievements, and contributions to the objectives of the prize. Supporting documents, such as a summary of the candidate’s publications or other relevant work, are also required for consideration.
This initiative underlines UNESCO’s commitment to recognizing the value of young talent in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges through innovation, research, and education. The selected laureates will not only gain financial support but will also have a platform to further their work in promoting scientific cooperation and advancing STEM fields globally.
For more detailed information about eligibility criteria and the application process, interested candidates can visit UNESCO’s official website or the Ministry of Education’s portal.
