The Royal Society is now accepting nominations from senior academics and members of the national academies of science for its 2026 Rising Star Africa Prize. The deadline for the submission of nominations for the Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize is 15th February 2026.
The Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize is to recognise early-career research scientists based in Africa who are making an innovative contribution to the physical, mathematical and engineering sciences.
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The prize was established in memory of Paul O’Brien FRS and his work encouraging excellence in science and education in Africa. The recipient of the Prize is required to submit a report after 6 months and again after 12 months detailing the progress of their research, the progress of their project and the expenditure of the Grant.
Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize Eligibility
- The Prize is intended for researchers at an early stage of their research career (<8 years post PhD) with the potential to build a research project to follow on from the prize.
- The research must be based in Africa.
- Nominations can be made by senior academics and members of the national academies of science.
- The project and nominee should be linked with an African centre of excellence, which would normally be a University or equivalent research centre.
Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize Award
- Winners will receive a grant of £14,000 to support their research and a personal gift of £1,000.
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How to Nominate for Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize
Nominate Here (opens in a new tab)
Nominators are required to submit two referees for the nominee. These will be requested once nominations have closed and are shared with the relevant selection committee.
Nominations close on Monday, 15 February 2026 at 3pm GMT.