African Academy of Sciences (AAS) African Planet Prize 2025

The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) African Planet Prize 2025 is now accepting applications. This prestigious opportunity aims to recognize transformative scientific contributions addressing the planet’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

📝 About the African Planet Prize

The Frontiers Planet Prize (FPP), in partnership with the Frontiers Research Foundation (FRF), seeks to enhance African participation in global planetary health research. The initiative addresses structural barriers such as low visibility, institutional disconnects, and limited access to global platforms, ensuring African researchers and institutions are equipped to contribute and compete effectively.

Key Details:

• Date Published: September 6, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 10, 2025
• Category:
  • PhD
  • Contest
  • Fully Funded
  • Grants

🎁 Benefits of the African Planet Prize

Participants in the African Planet Prize will receive the following benefits:

• USD 5,000 in career development support.
• Invitation to the Frontiers Planet Prize Ceremony in Switzerland.
• Global exposure and visibility for research.
• Access to a mentorship network of global experts.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Eligible individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Be an African early-career researcher (≤7 years post-PhD, with possible marginal extensions for career breaks).
• Have at least one peer-reviewed publication in a high-impact factor journal (IF > 4) directly relevant to planetary boundaries and sustainability challenges.
• Be affiliated with an African institution (e.g., university, research institution) implementing planetary boundaries research.
• Submission (nomination) must be supported by a recognized institution domiciled in Africa (e.g., university, research institution).

🏆 Selection Criteria

The selection process will evaluate both the candidate and their research based on the following criteria:

1. Scientific Excellence (40%)

• Novelty and originality of the research.
• Rigor of methodology and quality of data.
• Translational research relevant to planetary boundaries.
• Contribution to advancing knowledge in planetary health and sustainability.

2. Societal Relevance (30%)

• Research must be domiciled in an African university or research institution.
• Potential to address urgent planetary challenges.
• Applicability and relevance to African contexts.
• Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Demonstrated outreach or stakeholder engagement.

3. Impact and Visibility (20%)

• Evidence of influence on policy, practice, or innovation.
• Research product Cite score of >100.
• Policy mentions: evidence of work cited or referenced in government policy documents.

4. Capacity Building and Leadership (10%)

• Role in fostering collaboration.
• Contribution to mentorship of upcoming researchers.
• Strengthening African research ecosystems.

📅 Application Process

How to Apply:

• Submit your nominations through the online portal.
• Academic institutions, research organizations, and partners across Africa are invited to nominate exceptional researchers contributing to Africa’s leadership in sustainability and planetary science.

Application Deadline:

• September 10, 2025

🌐 Additional Information

For more details, visit the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) African Planet Prize page.

To apply directly, use the application portal.

This initiative is sponsored by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and aims to empower African researchers to lead in sustainability and planetary science. Don't miss this opportunity to make a global impact!

• USD 5,000 in career development support
• Invitation to the Frontiers Planet Prize Ceremony in Switzerland
• Global exposure and visibility for research
• Access to a mentorship network of global experts