Launch of the Third Edition of the UNESCO–Abdullah Al Fozan Award to Support Future Scientists
Launch of the Third Edition of the UNESCO–Abdullah Al Fozan Award to Support Future Scientists
The third edition of the UNESCO–Abdullah Al Fozan International Prize has been launched. The award is dedicated to encouraging excellence in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Established by Saudi Arabia, the initiative aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s role in supporting education and innovation on a global scale.
Launched in 2021 as Saudi Arabia’s first global initiative within the UNESCO system, the prize was created to support new generations of researchers and innovators and to empower them to transform their scientific ideas into practical solutions that address global challenges.
Abdullah Abdul Latif Al Fozan, founder of the prize, stated that the initiative represents a long-term investment in people and knowledge. He emphasized that the award seeks to create a globally supportive environment that nurtures promising talent and provides the tools needed to turn ideas into achievements with tangible impact.
He added that the prize aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in developing human capabilities and promoting a knowledge-based economy. It also contributes to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for innovation and knowledge while enhancing its international presence in scientific fields.
For her part, Nada Al Nafea, Chief Executive Officer of the prize, explained that the third edition marks a new phase in the award’s journey, reflecting significant progress in its goals and programs. She noted that the focus is on identifying talented young individuals who can apply knowledge to develop innovative and effective solutions to contemporary challenges.
She added that applications will remain open for seven months, until November 30, 2026, through the prize’s official online platform, giving participants from around the world the opportunity to compete.
The current edition features an international judging panel composed of distinguished experts and specialists from diverse scientific fields, including:
- Asha de Vos, a Sri Lankan scientist specializing in marine science and ocean conservation.
- Stefan Kaufmann, a German scientist specializing in infection biology and global scientific dialogue.
- Lise Korsten, a South African researcher specializing in agricultural sciences and food security.
- Alicia Dickenstein, an Argentine mathematician.
- Daniel Alghazzawi, a Saudi expert in cybersecurity and digital transformation.
According to the organizers, this scientific and geographic diversity reflects the prize’s commitment to applying the highest standards of evaluation and professionalism while strengthening its status as a global platform that celebrates scientific innovation and supports outstanding talent in science and technology.
The third edition builds on the successes achieved during the previous two cycles, which attracted innovative scientific projects from around the world. This comes at a time when interest in STEM disciplines is growing rapidly, as they are considered essential pillars for building the economies of the future.
With increasing international participation, the prize continues to strengthen its role as a global platform for creating opportunities and supporting promising minds, contributing to innovation and the development of scientific solutions capable of generating sustainable positive impact on societies worldwide.
