The MDPI Sustainability Foundation has officially opened nominations for the prestigious 2026 World Sustainability Award (WSA), offering $150,000 in total prize money. The award recognizes outstanding senior researchers whose work has significantly advanced global sustainability efforts across the biosphere, society, and the economy.
About the World Sustainability Award
The World Sustainability Award is an initiative by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation designed to honor pioneering contributions in sustainability research. Every two years, this global award celebrates academic excellence, transformative ideas, and real-world impact that support the pillars of sustainability.
In 2026, three recipients will each receive $50,000, one representing each of the core sustainability categories:
- Biosphere: Environmental systems and ecological innovation
- Society: Social structures, cultural development, and equity
- Economy: Sustainable economic practices and systemic innovations
Winners will be recognized during the World Sustainability Forum 2026, a leading event uniting researchers, policymakers, and organizations working towards a sustainable future.
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Nomination Process & Timeline
Who Can Nominate?
Nominations must be submitted by qualified third parties, such as academic institutions, professional organizations, or recognized experts. Self-nominations are not allowed.
How to Nominate:
- Download and complete the official Nomination Form
- Submit an updated CV, list of publications, and any supporting materials
- Upload documents via the official platform
Important Dates:
- Call Opens: July 25, 2025
- Nomination Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Winners Notified: January 30, 2026
- Award Ceremony: World Sustainability Forum 2026
Selection Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated by an international Selection Committee based on the following:
- Scientific Excellence: Strong record of impactful, peer-reviewed research
- Sustainability Focus: Contributions must align with at least two of the three sustainability pillars
- Innovation: Practical, creative solutions to real-world challenges
- Global Alignment: Relevance to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Leadership: Evidence of mentorship, policy impact, or institutional development
Meet the Selection Committee
The committee comprises both permanent and non-permanent members:
Permanent Members:
- Dr. Shu-Kun Lin, Founder of MDPI and Chairman of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation
- Prof. Dr. Ed Constable, Former VP for Research, University of Basel
Non-Permanent Members:
Experts representing each award category, biosphere, society, and economy, alongside interdisciplinary academics from around the world.
All evaluations follow a peer-review system, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection.
Award Benefits and Obligations
Each winner will receive:
- $50,000 USD in unrestricted funds
- A custom-designed trophy
- Coverage of travel and accommodation to attend the World Sustainability Forum
Winners are expected to participate in the forum and may be involved in post-award publicity and interviews. Recipients are encouraged to continue advancing research and innovation in sustainability.
Past Awardees
The WSA has previously recognized global leaders like:
- Dr. Stuart Pimm, a biodiversity expert from Duke University
- Dr. Abdelbagi M. Ismail, known for climate-resilient crop research in Africa
Nominate a Changemaker
If you know a senior researcher making groundbreaking contributions to sustainability, now is the time to nominate them for this prestigious award.
