The EMBracing the Ocean program provides grants of €10 thousand to individuals or groups to create artwork in collaboration with Ocean scientists. The program aims to raise societal awareness of the Ocean’s value and contribute new insight to scientific research. Applications can be submitted until 16 February 2026. Link to EMBracing the Ocean
awards/prizes
Fondation Egis — Climate Challenge
Fondation Egis invites students and young graduates from around the world to submit innovative solutions on the topic: adapting and living together in the face of climate risks. Participants gain access to a range of support to help shape their projects, e.g., workshops and mentors. The top three teams will be awarded €4,000 per team member, along with additional funding to help bring their projects to life during the first 6 months. Projects must be submitted by 28 March 2026. Link to Climate Challenge
The Royal Society — Early Career Researcher Competition
The Biology Letters Early Career Researcher (ECR) Competition recognizes outstanding research papers authored by ECRs. Eligible participants are individuals who have completed a postgraduate degree within the last six years. The competition awards £1,000 to the overall winner and £500 each to two runners-up. To enter, submit your research article via the journal’s submission by 31 March 2026. Link to the competition
Council for the Advancement of Science Writing — Science Reporting Award
The Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW) awards the Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award. The award recognizes the accomplishments of a mid-career science journalist. The winner receives US$20 thousand to undertake a significant reporting project. Candidates must be experienced journalists who have compiled a substantial body of work in science journalism. The deadline for submissions is 30 April 2026. CASW Science Reporting Award
BBVA Foundation — Awards in Frontiers of Knowledge, Nominations 2026
The BBVA Foundation annually makes awards to recognize innovative and fundamental advances in science, culture, and collaboration. Thematic areas include ecology and conservation biology; climate change; and development cooperation (among others). In each prize category, BBVA awards €400 thousand plus a diploma and commemorative artwork. The awards are open to individuals and organizations of any nationality. (Note: Self-nomination is not permitted.) The deadline for nomination is 30 June 2026. Conditions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Partnership Award
The FAO Partnership Award recognizes institutions or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding cooperation with FAO to advance global food security and sustainable agrifood systems. It includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and a scroll of recognition. Eligible nominees include FAO Member countries, UN agencies, international institutions, academic/research entities, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and media outlets that can show meaningful collaboration and impact aligned with FAO’s strategic goals. Nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or Director to be valid. The deadline to submit nominations is 15 February 2026. FAO Partnership Award
BBVA Foundation — Awards in Biodiversity Conservation
The BBVA Foundation makes awards for biodiversity conservation in Spain and internationally. The Foundation’s goal is to publicly recognize the work done by conservationist organizations, institutions and agencies in carrying forward environmental conservation policies and projects. For Spain, there is one award of €250 thousand for actions in biodiversity conservation, and another award of €80 thousand for environmental communication. For the rest of the world, there is one award of €250 thousand for actions in biodiversity conservation. Applications for the worldwide award can be submitted in Spanish or English. The deadline for nominations is 30 April 2026. Biodiversity Conservation Awards
Hult Prize Foundation — Hult Prize Challenge
The Hult Prize is a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship which brings together college and university students to solve the world’s most pressing issues. In 2026, participants can pitch any idea for a social enterprise, as long as it is world-changing and aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Hult Prize runs regional competitions around the world, campus events, a national competition, and online for the chance to join the Global Accelerator Program. The winning team will be awarded US$1 million in seed capital. Hult Prize
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Water Innovation Prize 2025
The MIT Water Innovation Prize is a startup competition focused on water innovation. Submitted projects must involve a technology, product, service, or process aimed at solving a problem related to the world’s water challenges. Entering teams must include at least one student who is fully enrolled at any college or university. There are no restrictions regarding nationality. Winners will be awarded innovation grants of up to US$50 thousand. The application deadline for the statement of intent is 31 December 2025. Water Innovation Prize
Grawemeyer Awards — Idea Competition
The Grawemeyer Awards recognize transformative, practical ideas that promote world peace, global security, human rights, or international cooperation. The award focuses on specific works, such as books, essays or analytical papers, that offer new and practical ways to improve world order. The competition is open to individuals or teams anywhere in the world. The award includes a US$100 thousand prize. Entries must be submitted by 30 January 2026. Grawemeyer Awards