Nominations for the Yidan Prize for research and positive change or educational contributions are now open to international nominees. The Yidan Prize is an inclusive education award that recognizes persons or teams of up to three members who have contributed enormously to education research and development while also aiming to build a global community devoted to promoting ideas in education.

Brief Details

• Founded by: Yidan Prize Foundation
  
• Nomination Deadline: 31 March 2026 (noon HKT (GMT+8)
  
• Judging Dates: April–September 2026
• Result Outcome: Late September 2026
• Awards Presentation Ceremony: December every year
• Eligible Countries: Global
• Prize Field: Education

Prize Value and Categories

The Yidan Foundation presents its laureates with a certificate, a gold medal, and a cash prize of HK$15 million (divided equally among teams). That is not all; the foundation also provides HK$15 million in project funding to help the winners build their work over three years.

The Yidan Prize is granted in two categories:

1. Yidan Prize for Education Research

• Awarded for substantial contribution to science, psychology, and statistics in education. The research will help educators develop a more methodical knowledge of their practices.

2. Yidan Prize for Education Development

• Awarded for creating positive and sustainable change in education and learning new methods to spread education.

Eligibility Criteria for the Yidan Prize

• Nominees from every country and geographic area are eligible for this prize.
• There are no age limits on applicants, and there is no limit on the number of nominations for this prize.
• Applicants can even nominate themselves for the prize

Who are the nominators?

• Typically, members of government bodies, non-governmental organizations, professional associations, and individual thought leaders are the nominators for the Yidan Prize.
• The nominator should thoroughly understand the nominee ’s work and impact.

Who can be the nominees?

• Nominees can be either individuals or teams of up to three members. They can be teachers, researchers, academics, policymakers, and education advocates. They can
• Self-nominations are accepted. However, nominations after the nominees’ death are not. Also, those who self-nominate should provide at least three letters of recommendation from supporters.

Who are the supporters?

• Supporters have a comprehensive understanding of the nominee(s)’ work and approve the nominee(s)’ achievements.
• For self-nominations, three supporters are required; for regular nominations, only two are required.

Selection Criteria

Nominations are evaluated according to a set of rigorous criteria to identify the most deserving individuals, including:

• Future-oriented/forward-looking
• Innovativeness
• Being Transformative
• Sustainable

How to Apply?

Nominators or nominees who self-nominate can submit their nominations through the foundation’s online platform. Nominators should first register their accounts and prepare their nominations.

Apply Now

To learn more about the Yidan Prize, please refer to the Yidan Prize Foundation’s website.

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