UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) will foster collaboration, advancement and popularization of science and international cooperation to advance scientific expertise globally and meet the needs of young scientists in countries that are lagging behind in science and technology.
Scientific advancements have been reshaping the world around us, influencing our quality of life in countless ways. At the core of this transformation lies STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics— which are increasingly acknowledged as key drivers of nations' socio-economic growth strategies.
However, many countries are facing a crisis in STEM education. Alarmingly, the most talented students are turning away from these subjects, often due to a lack of interest, limited access, outdated teaching methods, and, in many cases, the absence of inspiring role models. While role models are essential, we must also confront the challenges faced by girls and women in STEM fields. A more gender-responsive approach to teaching STEM subjects is crucial if we are to close the gender gap in digital literacy and ensure a more inclusive future.
The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) aims to boost research, education, and global cooperation to tackle challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It recognises young innovators whose work drives global socio-economic progress, while encouraging interest in science, particularly among women and girls, to foster gender equality and promote scientific careers.
Awarded biennially to five laureates from the five geographic regions of UNESCO (Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America and Latin America and the Caribbean), the Prize includes US $50,000, a medal, and a diploma for each winner. The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize aligns with UNESCO's focus on Gender Equality, aiming to inspire more women to pursue STEM careers. The Al Fozan Foundation (Saudi Arabia) proposed to establish and fund a UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the promotion of young scientists in STEM to contribute to generating STEM research, technology, and innovation, as well as pushing the production and application of scientific knowledge to the centre of societal and economic development, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Learn more about UNESCO's work in STEM
Contact
Secretariat of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM
Natural Sciences Sector
UNESCO
7, Place de Fontenoy
75352 Paris SP 07, France
Progress on the ‘STEM for All goals’ will increase the number and diversity of students who achieve in STEM education and comprise the future STEM workforce. To turn STEM innovation to address the complex challenges confronting the world today and in the future, the Nation must engage all of the available brainpower, creativity, and talent in the STEM enterprise. We cannot afford to squander the opportunity.
Submit an application
Deadline: 15 November 2022