The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) invites applications for the Future Energy Leaders Innovation Challenge. The program is open to young African innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are developing sustainable energy solutions to address energy poverty and climate change across the continent. Selected participants receive technical mentorship, access to industry networks, and a grant of US$5 thousand to pilot or scale their innovations. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and residents of an African country. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2026. Energy Innovation Challenge
awards/prizes
UNESCO — Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation
UNESCO invites nominations for the Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation to recognize outstanding contributions to the management or preservation of the environment. Eligible candidates include individuals, groups of individuals, institutes, and organizations that have made significant impacts through environmental and natural resources research, environmental education and training, or the creation of protected areas such as biosphere reserves and World Heritage sites. The prize consists of a diploma and a financial award of US$100 thousand. The deadline for nominations is 15 June 2026. Prize for Environmental Preservation
Global Development Network — Global Development Awards Competition 2026
The Global Development Awards Competition is open for applications. The awards recognize excellence in policy-oriented research, support research capacity development of researchers in low and middle-income countries, and fund innovative social development projects benefiting marginalized groups in the developing world. The program targets non-profit NGOs and CSOs that are currently implementing projects focused on science, technology, and innovation to support marginalized groups. Three winners will receive grants totaling US$125 thousand: two first-prize winners receive US$50 thousand each, and one second-prize winner receives US$25 thousand, all accompanied by technical advising. Additionally, the first-prize winners may later compete for a Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) grant of up to US$200 thousand after a twelve-month implementation period. The application deadline is 17 June 2026. Global Development Awards
Royal Academy of Engineering — Research Fellowships
The Royal Academy of Engineering offers Research Fellowships to early-career researchers to support them to become future research leaders in engineering. (Note: This may include one or more thematic areas covered by the Terra Viva Grants Directory). Each application is capped at a maximum contribution from the Academy of £625 thousand over five years, at 80% of full economic costs. The Academy welcomes applications from early-career researchers worldwide. The deadline for applications is 25 June 2026. Engineering Research Fellowships
MDPI — Forest Young Investigator Award
MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access journals, invites applications and nominations for the Forest 2026 Young Investigator Award. The winner will receive CHF 1000. This prize will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their excellence in the field of sustainability and sustainable development. Candidates must be under 35 years and be nominated by senior researchers. The deadline for nominations is 30 June 2026. Forest Young Investigator Award
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — AI for Climate Action Award
The AI for Climate Action Award is a global competition that celebrates the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tackling climate change. Anyone above the age of 18 years, with an open-source, AI-powered climate solution developed in or for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is encouraged to apply. Applications are welcome from individuals, teams, start-ups, organizations, or any other type of entity. The submission deadline is 30 June 2026. AI for Climate Action Award
L’Oreal and UNESCO — Women in Science International Awards
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards recognize five outstanding women researchers in the life and environmental sciences. Each laureate represents one of five geographic regions: Africa and the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America. Candidates must be actively involved in scientific research and demonstrate excellence within the international scientific community. Each of the five laureates receives €100 thousand to support their continued contribution to scientific progress. The deadline for nominations is 30 June 2026. Women in Science International Awards
The World Around — Young Climate Prize
The World Around calls for applications to the Young Climate Prize. World Around seeks young people who are working on their self-started projects that address, draw attention to, or mitigate climate change in their communities. The program will provide visibility, support, and mentorship for 25 of the world’s most talented and passionate climate designers. Anyone aged 13-25 from anywhere can submit their work. Nominations and applications are open until 30 June 2026. Young Climate Prize
UNESCO — Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest
UNESCO invites photographers aged 14 to 25 to participate in the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest. This competition encourages young people to document the shared heritage and cultural interactions along the historic Silk Roads, with the current cycle focusing on the theme “Life on the Silk Roads.” Participation is divided into two categories based on age: 14 to 17 years old and 18 to 25 years old. Three winners from each category will receive professional photography equipment, and approximately 60 selected photographs will be featured in a traveling exhibition and a commemorative photo album. The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2026. Silk Roads Photo Contest
The Conversation Insights — Prize for Writers 2026
The Conversation, in partnership with Faber and Curtis Brown, invites entries for a writing prize focused on non-fiction storytelling. The competition is open to early-career researchers and PhD students currently enrolled at a university in Australia or New Zealand. One winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, a mentorship session with a literary agent, and a professional manuscript assessment. Applications must be submitted by 05 July 2026. More