dEADLINE: September 10, 2025
The African Planet Prize 2025 is now open for nominations, offering an exciting opportunity to recognise Africa’s brightest early-career researchers who are advancing transformative scientific solutions to urgent planetary challenges. Anchored within the Frontiers Planet Prize framework and powered by the Frontiers Research Foundation (FRF) in partnership with the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), this prize spotlights groundbreaking research that addresses climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and other pressing environmental concerns.
About the African Planet Prize 2025
The African Planet Prize 2025 seeks to identify and honour exceptional African scientists working at the cutting edge of planetary health and sustainability. The award not only provides financial support but also creates pathways for visibility, mentorship, and global collaboration.
Application Deadline
Nominations must be submitted no later than September 10, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for nomination, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an early-career researcher (within seven years post-PhD, with allowances for career breaks).
- Hold an active affiliation with an African research institution.
- Have at least one peer-reviewed publication in a high-impact journal (Impact Factor > 4) directly linked to planetary boundary research.
- Be officially endorsed by a recognised African institution (such as a university or research centre).
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be assessed against four weighted pillars:
- Scientific Excellence (40%)
- Originality and rigour of research.
- Potential for knowledge advancement and practical application.
- Societal Relevance (30%)
- Alignment with African contexts.
- Contribution towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Stakeholder and community engagement.
- Impact and Visibility (20%)
- Policy relevance and measurable influence.
- High citation metrics.
- Public and media recognition.
- Capacity Building and Leadership (10%)
- Demonstrated mentorship of junior researchers.
- Contribution to strengthening African research ecosystems.
- Promotion of collaboration across institutions.
Prize and Benefits
Winners of the African Planet Prize 2025 will receive:
- USD $5,000 in career development support.
- An invitation to the Frontiers Planet Prize Ceremony in Switzerland, providing international exposure.
- Access to a global mentorship network of leading scientific experts.
- Enhanced visibility within the global scientific and policy community.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare their nomination packages carefully, ensuring alignment with the eligibility and evaluation criteria. Institutional endorsement is mandatory.
👉 Click here to apply for the African Planet Prize 2025
👉 Read more about the programme here
Are you planning to apply or nominate a researcher? Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review to strengthen your submission.
