The African Planet Prize (APP) is part of the Frontiers Planet Prize (FPP) initiative, created to honor groundbreaking scientific contributions that tackle global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Through the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the Frontiers Research Foundation (FRF), this initiative strengthens African participation and ensures local researchers gain global recognition for their transformative work.
African researchers have been making significant strides in planetary health, but limited visibility and institutional barriers have often hindered their recognition. The APP provides a pathway to bridge this gap and elevate African science to the global stage.
Benefits for Winners
- USD 5,000 in career development support
- Invitation to the Frontiers Planet Prize Ceremony in Switzerland
- Global visibility and recognition for their research
- Access to an international mentorship network of leading experts
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be an early-career African researcher (≤7 years post-PhD, with extensions 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-based institution (university or research organization).
- Receive nomination support from a recognized African institution.
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Selection Criteria
The selection process evaluates both the candidate and their research contributions across four weighted categories:
- Scientific Excellence (40%)
- Novelty and originality of research
- Methodological rigor and quality of data
- Translational value for planetary health and sustainability
- Societal Relevance (30%)
- Relevance of research to African contexts
- Potential to address urgent planetary challenges
- Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Impact and Visibility (20%)
- Evidence of influence on policy or innovation
- Research with a high CiteScore (>100)
- Policy mentions or government references
- Capacity Building and Leadership (10%)
- Mentorship of emerging researchers
- Building collaborations across Africa
- Strengthening the African research ecosystem
Important Dates
- Call for Nominations Closes: 10 September 2025
- Nomination Deadline: 24 September 2025
- Award Ceremony: 26 November 2025 at the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA)
How to Apply
Academic institutions, research bodies, and partners across Africa are invited to nominate outstanding researchers whose work advances planetary science and sustainability. Submissions can be made through the online nomination portal.
