The African Planet Prize 2025 offers early-career African researchers a chance to gain global recognition and career support worth USD $5,000. This initiative is part of the Frontiers Planet Prize (FPP), organized in partnership with the Frontiers Research Foundation (FRF) and the African Academy of Sciences (AAS).
The prize celebrates transformative scientific research that addresses the planet’s most urgent challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Outcomes
- Up to three winners will be selected annually.
- The jury may also recommend honorable mentions to highlight outstanding contributions
Why This Prize Matters
African scientists play a vital role in advancing planetary health research, but many face challenges such as:
- Low global visibility
- Limited access to international recognition platforms
- Institutional gaps in research collaboration
The African Planet Prize seeks to bridge this gap by giving researchers the support and exposure they need to compete effectively on the global stage.
Apply For Apple Internship Program 2026 for Students and Graduates (Up to $9,000 Monthly Stipend)
Benefits of the African Planet Prize 2025
Winners will receive:
- USD $5,000 in career development support
- Invitation to the Frontiers Planet Prize Ceremony in Switzerland
- Global visibility for their research
- Mentorship opportunities with leading global experts
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an early-career African researcher (≤7 years post-PhD, with extensions allowed for career breaks)
- Have at least one peer-reviewed publication in a high-impact journal (Impact Factor >4) relevant to planetary boundaries and sustainability
- Be affiliated with an African institution (university, research institute, or higher learning institution)
- Have their nomination supported by a recognized African institution
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on four key areas:
1. Scientific Excellence (40%)
- Originality and novelty of research
- Rigorous methodology and quality data
- Research contribution to planetary health and sustainability
2. Societal Relevance (30%)
- Relevance to urgent planetary challenges in Africa
- Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Engagement with communities and stakeholders
3. Impact and Visibility (20%)
- Influence on policy, practice, or innovation
- Research cited in policy documents
- Cite score above 100
4. Capacity Building and Leadership (10%)
- Collaboration and mentorship of younger researchers
- Contribution to strengthening Africa’s research ecosystem
Timeline
- Call for Nomination Closes on: 10th September 2025
- Nomination Deadline: 24th September 2025
- Award Ceremony: 26 November 2025, during the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA)
Application Deadline
- Deadline: September 10, 2025
How to Apply
Please submit your Nominations through our online portal.
We invite academic institutions, research organizations, and partners across Africa to nominate exceptional researchers contributing to Africa’s leadership in sustainability and planetary science.
Interested candidates should complete their application online.
