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

Application Deadline: 15 April 2025

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is now accepting applications and nominations for its second edition.

About the Prize

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize aims to enhance research, education, and international collaboration in STEM fields to address global challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Prize recognizes young scientists whose work contributes to global socio-economic progress and encourages greater interest in science, particularly among women and girls, to foster gender equality and promote scientific careers.

Awarded biennially to five laureates representing UNESCO’s five geographic regions—Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean—each laureate receives a monetary award of $50,000, a medal, and a diploma. The Prize aligns with UNESCO’s commitment to gender equality, aiming to inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

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 and Nomination Process

For Candidates
How to Apply:

1. Register Online: Visit https://apply.unescoalfozanprize.org/ to create a candidate account and complete your user profile information.
2. Complete the Application Form: Provide detailed information about your achievements and contributions in line with the submission criteria.
3. 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
4. Language Requirement: All applications must be completed in full in English or French.
5. Submit Before Deadline: Ensure that your application is submitted online before the deadline on 15 April 2025.

For Nominators
Who Can Nominate:

Nominations can be submitted by the following entities:

• Governments of UNESCO 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 under the auspices of UNESCO
• International scientific unions
• Universities

Please Note: Self-nominations are not accepted.

How to Nominate a Candidate:

1. Register Online: Authorized representatives from eligible nominating entities should visit https://apply.unescoalfozanprize.org/ to create a nominator account and provide the required information.
2. Account Verification: Your account will be verified by our team. Once verified, it will be activated for submitting nominations.
3. Nominate a Candidate by Email:
   • Enter Candidate Details: Provide the candidate’s first name, last name, and email address in the designated fields.
   • Enter Recommendation: Provide all your 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.
4. 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: Your nomination will be directly linked to the candidate’s existing application.
5. Language Requirement: All nominations must be completed in full in English or French.
6. Submit Before Deadline: Ensure that your 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.

Encouraging Diversity

The Prize strongly supports diversity and inclusion. Nominators are strongly encouraged to nominate candidates from underrepresented groups and to promote gender equality by nominating young women scientists.

Contact Information

For assistance with the application or nomination process or for further inquiries, please contact:

• Email: info@unescoalfozanprize.org
• Website: https://unescoalfozanprize.org/

By participating in this prestigious Prize, you contribute to the global effort in promoting excellence in STEM among young scientists and fostering international collaboration to address the world’s most pressing challenges.