The Breakthrough Junior Challenge asks youth to submit scientific discoveries or explain a big scientific idea in Physics, Life Sciences, or Mathematics with a short video (max. 2:00 minutes). One winner receives a US$250 thousand post-secondary scholarship, including an additional US$50 thousand teacher prize and US$100 thousand Breakthrough Science Lab. Eligibility is limited to individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 but is open to participants worldwide without geographic limitations. Videos have to be submitted by 15 September 2025. Know more
awards/prizes
Royal Geographical Society — Gilchrist Fieldwork Award
The Royal Geographical Society invites applications for the Gilchrist Fieldwork Award. The aim of the award is to support challenging overseas fieldwork projects carried out by a team of university academics and researchers. The team should comprise up to 10 members, the majority of whom should be British. Previous winning themes include climate change, ecosystem function, climate science, and ocean circulation. The biennial award offers £15 thousand. The deadline for applications is 23 November 2025. More
United Nations Environment Program — Champions of the Earth 2025
The Champions of the Earth is the UN’s highest award to honor people and organizations worldwide for leadership and action on sustainable development, climate change, and a life of dignity. This year, UNEP seeks nominations of individuals, organizations, and governments working on sustainable solutions to eliminate plastic pollution. Persons may nominate themselves, their own organizations, or a third party whom they believe should receive recognition. Nominations must be supported by three endorsers. The closing date for nominations is 30 April 2025. UN Champions of the Earth
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Bioenergy Youth Award
The GBEP Youth Award recognizes research conducted by students in the field of bioenergy. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to present their research and receive their award certificate during the GBEP Bioenergy Week. Applicants should be within the age limit of 30 years old for bachelor and Master students, and 35 years old for Ph.D. students. This year, the 2025 Award is focused exclusively on Africa. Candidates must complete the application form before 30 April 2025. GBEP Youth Award
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global Forestry Champions
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks to honor individuals, institutions, initiatives, and programs that have significantly impacted forestry development at national, regional, or global levels. Selected nominees will be recognized for their achievements across ten thematic areas, including forest restoration, biodiversity, climate action, and innovation. The call for nominations is open to governmental institutions; national, regional or local agencies; intergovernmental organizations; non-government organizations; academia; community service organizations; and the private sector. The deadline for receiving nominations is 31 May 2025. More about this opportunity
Okayama City — Education for Sustainable Development
The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Okayama Award rewards outstanding education for sustainable development practices in local communities around the world. The award aims to support the organizations carrying out ESD activities and promote the concept to local communities globally through showcasing their initiatives. Two projects will be selected to receive an award of US$3 thousand each. One representative of the winning projects will be invited to the Award Ceremony in Okayama (Japan). Organizations based in any country are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2025. ESD Okayama Award
American Association for the Advancement of Science — Science and SciLifeLab Prize for Young Scientists 2025
The Prize is awarded to a young scientist for outstanding life science research for which he/she was awarded a doctoral degree. The awards are made in four fields of life science research, one of which is Ecology and Environment. Eligible entrants for the 2025 Prize must have been awarded their doctoral degrees in 2023 or 2024. The winners in each category will each receive US$10 thousand, and the grand prize winner will receive US$30 thousand. The application deadline is 15 July 2025. Science Prize
Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement — Nominations for Prize in 2026
The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement grants US$250 thousand to recognize exceptional accomplishments in environmental science, energy, or medicine. The Tyler Prize can be awarded to living individuals or public or private institutions anywhere in the world. Several past prize winners have been distinguished in scientific and technical areas such as the global nitrogen cycle, global biodiversity assessments, wastewater treatment in developing countries, and others relevant to the link between environment and development. The closing date for nominations is 02 May 2025. Nominations here
International Water Association — Recovery Best Practice Award
The International Water Association recognizes exemplary practices in resource recovery from water and wastewater treatment. Winners will receive a trophy, certificate, and the opportunity to present at the 6th IWA International Resource Recovery Conference in the Netherlands. Eligibility extends to individuals or organizations demonstrating innovative, replicable, and environmentally impactful solutions within the resource recovery value chain. Nominations close on 05 May 2025. Resource Recovery Best Practice Award 2025
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. The winners will be announced at a special UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York City, USA. Applications have to be submitted before 07 May 2025. UN SDG Action Awards