UNESCO has opened the third call for the Al Fozan International Prize for young scientists and science communicators. Kazakhstani candidates under forty can compete for $50,000, a medal and a diploma, but a valid application requires an official nomination from a university or another eligible organization.
Key conditions
| Deadline | November 30, 2026, 24:00 UTC+1 (December 1, 4:00 a.m. Astana time) |
| For whom | Researchers, educators, science communicators and leaders of scientific cooperation under forty |
| Geography | International; Kazakhstan belongs to the Asia and the Pacific region |
| Award | $50,000, a medal and a diploma for each laureate |
| Laureates | Five people, one from each UNESCO geographical region |
| Repayment | Not applicable; this is a personal award, not a loan or project grant |
| Co-financing | Not required |
| Organizer | UNESCO with support from the Al Fozan Foundation |
What the prize recognizes
The prize recognizes young professionals whose work has already earned recognition and made a significant contribution to science, technology, engineering or mathematics. This is an achievement-based competition; a promising idea or proposal for future research alone is insufficient.
Candidates must demonstrate results in at least one of three areas:
- STEM research, including new and emerging technologies
- STEM education, dissemination of scientific results, creativity and innovation
- international or regional STEM cooperation
UNESCO particularly encourages nominations of young women scientists to improve gender balance among candidates and laureates.
Who is eligible
Candidates must be under forty on the deadline date. The official page does not impose nationality or residency restrictions, so Kazakhstani scientists can participate in the Asia and the Pacific region.
Candidates do not need a legal entity. However, an application is valid only with an official nomination. Self-nominations without support from an eligible organization are not considered.
Who can nominate a candidate
- the government of a UNESCO Member State, after consultation with its National Commission
- an NGO in official partnership with UNESCO and active in the relevant field
- a UNESCO Chair
- a Category 2 institute or center under UNESCO’s auspices
- an international scientific union
- a university, through a department head, dean or senior management representative
An ordinary lecturer or university employee cannot act as a nominator in their personal capacity. Each eligible organization may nominate no more than three candidates, with a separate nomination for each.
Documents required
- a description of the candidate’s career and principal achievements
- a summary of work, publications and other significant results
- an explanation of the candidate’s contribution to the prize’s objectives
- an official recommendation letter from the nominating organization
- supporting materials directly relevant to the stated achievements
All materials must be completed and uploaded in English or French. The recommendation letter must be on official letterhead, include the nominator’s name and contact details, an authorized representative’s signature and a stamp if the organization uses one.
How nomination works
UNESCO allows two routes. In the first, the organization gives the candidate a signed recommendation letter to attach to their application. In the second, an organization representative registers as a nominator and submits the recommendation directly through the portal.
The nominator can link a recommendation to an existing application using its number or provide the candidate’s name and email address. In the latter case, the system sends the candidate an invitation to complete the application.
How to apply
- Identify an organization eligible to nominate you well in advance.
- Agree on the achievements and contributions to be reflected in the recommendation.
- Create a personal candidate account on the official portal and verify your email.
- Complete the application in English or French and upload supporting materials.
- Ensure both the nomination and application are submitted before the common deadline.
Nominator registration is reviewed, so UNESCO recommends allowing time for account activation. It is safer to finalize arrangements with a university or another organization several weeks before November 30.
What to highlight in an application
The application should explain the significance of results as well as the number of publications or awards. It is useful to show the problem addressed, who uses the knowledge or technology produced, and how the candidate’s contribution relates to science education, sustainable development or international cooperation.
There are only five winners worldwide. Achievements demonstrating international or regional impact, independent recognition and concrete results are therefore particularly compelling.
Official links
Current call terms https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/third-edition-unesco-al-fozan-international-prize-promotion-young-scientists-science-technology
Application and nomination portal https://apply.unescoalfozanprize.org
Prize overview https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/al-fozan
Secretariat contact mailto:unescoalfozanprize@unesco.org
In RAEM’s grants directory: UNESCO–Al Fozan Prize for Young Scientists — program terms, selection criteria, application status and the official participation link.
