UNESCO-Russia Mendeleev International Prize in the Basic Sciences ($500,000 prize+ gold medal)

Grant / Award in Art and Humanities , in Business and Law , in Natural Science , in Social Science

Russia, Russia
Apply Before : March 15, 2026

Opportunity ID 116055
Degree Non Degree Program/Certificate
Language Requirement Not Required
No. of Opportunity 2
Opportunity Type : Fully Funded
Gender Male Female
Language of Instruction English French
Application Fee Required No

Opportunity Description

Introduction

Nominations for the UNESCO-Russia Mendeleev International Prize in the Basic Sciences are now open. The prize is awarded every year to two individuals to recognize their groundbreaking discoveries, innovations and considerable advancement of the Basic Sciences capable of driving the socio-economic transformation of human societies in the future.
The primary aim of the Prize is to bolster scientific development, science promotion and international cooperation in basic sciences.

Details

Application deadline: 15 March 2026

Awarding organization: UNESCO in partnership with Russia

Funded by: The Government of the Russian Federation

Number of winners: 2

Prize value (in total): 500,000 USD _ 250,000 USD prize awarded to each winner

Other benefits: A diploma and a Gold Medal are also presented to both winners.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the prize, candidates should meet the following criteria:

Have made significant scientific achievements or impact on development important for socio-economic development on a regional and global level.

Candidates achievements can fall into these categories:

Merit in research in the areas of basic sciences;
Basic sciences education and universalization;
International or regional collaboration in the basic sciences.

In addition,

There is no age limit for the candidates.
Female scientists are particularly welcome to apply.
Self-nominations are not accepted.

Who can submit a nomination/nominate candidates?

The following agencies can submit the nominations:

Governments Of Member Countries of UNESCO, in consultation with their National Commissions
Non-governmental organizations having official partnerships with UNESCO and active in pertinent fields to the Prize
UNESCO Chairs
Category 2 Centres
International scientific unions
Higher education institutions (HIEs)

How to apply?

Nominations can be submitted online through a special template after completing registration.

Nominate Now

Nominations must be submitted fully in English or French.

Please read the rules and regulations here before submitting a nomination.

Evaluation

The International Mendeleev’s Prize Team reviews the application and sends the eligible to an international jury which will then recommend them to the Director-General for the final selection decision.