The Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Prize recognizes woman scientists from least-developed countries with scientific achievements in clean and renewable energy; sustainable agriculture and agro-biodiversity; plastic pollution and microplastics, water purification and sanitation, climate change, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and other themes related to sustainability. The winner will receive a cash award of US$4 thousand. Candidates should be working and living in an LDC country for at least two years prior to nomination. The deadline for nominations is 30 June 2026. Innovation for Sustainability Award
awards/prizes
World Academy of Sciences — Prize in Agricultural Sciences or Biology
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) invites nominations for the Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award in Agricultural Sciences or Biology. The prize aims to recognize scientists for their achievements in Agricultural Sciences or Biology. Eligible nominees are female scientists from scientifically and technologically lagging countries. The prize is a US$4 thousand cash award. Nominations should be submitted electronically before 30 June 2026. Prize in Agricultural Sciences or Biology
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-Abdool Karim Prize in Biological Sciences
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) invites nominations for the Abdool Karim Prize in Biological Sciences. The prize aims to recognize scientists for their achievements in Biological Sciences. Eligible nominees are female scientists national of a low-income African country. The prize is a US$5 thousand cash award. Nominations should be submitted electronically before 30 June 2026. Award in Biological Sciences
European Environment Agency — Photo Competition
The European Environment Agency (EEA) invites nature and photography enthusiasts to showcase their photographic talent in the 2026 edition of our annual photo competition. This year’s competition “Resilient by Nature” provides a unique opportunity to showcase your take on how nature strengthens the environment or how society is building resilience through nature-based solutions. 3 winners receive €1000 for “best photo” in each category. The competition is open to the citizens of the EU 27 Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photos must be submitted by 10 August 2026. EEA Photo Competition
Hawk Conservancy Trust — Marion Paviour Award
The Hawk Conservancy Trust supports early-career researchers working on projects focused on the conservation and/or research of birds of prey. The maximum award amount is £1,000. Preference will be given to those applying for support for fieldwork, conference fees to present work, or travel costs (for fieldwork or conference attendance). Applications close on 31 August 2026. About the award
World Food Forum — Transformative Research Challenge
The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers young researchers (ages 18–35) to advance applied research into real-world agrifood solutions. The challenge focuses on projects with a tested proof of concept that are ready to be refined for piloting. For the 2026 cycle, prizes are offered in categories such as forest restoration, protein diversification using native crops, and One Health-driven rural transformation. Winning teams receive up to US$10 thousand for prototype validation, with an additional US$10 thousand awarded to the overall global winner. The current application window closes at the end of April 2026. Transformative Research Challenge
United Nations — Action Awards for Sustainable Development Goals
The UN SDG Action Awards aim to support action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mobilizers, storytellers, campaigners, connectors, visualizers, and creatives fighting for sustainable development can apply. The Awards are open to individuals, organizations, governments, foundations, or private sector leaders worldwide. While the program does not award direct cash grants, nine finalists receive a fully funded trip to Rome, Italy, for a multi-day program of coaching, networking, and capacity building, followed by a televised awards ceremony. The deadline for submissions is 17 May 2026. UN SDG Action Awards
Public Interest Registry — .ORG Impact Awards
Nominations are now open for the .ORG Impact Awards. The global awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for the impact they have made in their communities. The award will recognize an organization or individual that works to combat the increased threats to the environment, or that has made significant contributions and innovations in the fight to end hunger or alleviate poverty, among other categories. The winner of the year receives US$40 thousand. Winners in their respective categories receive US$10 thousand each. The nomination deadline is 27 May 2026. .ORG Impact Awards
Global Environmental Education Partnership — Youth Innovation Challenge 2026
The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Global Environmental Education Partnership seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Three solutions will be awarded a US$1000 prize. The deadline to submit proposals is 31 May 2026. Find the challenge
Volvo Environment Prize — Nominations 2027
The Volvo Environment Prize aims to promote scientific research and innovations that in broad terms fall within the environmental and sustainability field. The Volvo Environment Prize Foundation invites universities, research institutes, scientists, engineers, as well as other individuals and organizations to submit nominations. Priority is given to an individual or to a group of individuals. Past laureates have included leaders in fields such as global change, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and others. The Prize consists of a diploma, sculpture, and cash award for SEK 1.5 million. The deadline for nominations is 20 January 2027. Volvo Environment Prize