Call for Nominations: TWAS-Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry 2026 ($5,000 Prize)

Nomination Deadline: June 30, 2026

About the Award

The 2026 TWAS-Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry, sponsored by Searle Company Ltd, is now accepting nominations. This award is presented to a young chemist who is a national of a science-and-technology lagging country (STLC) and has been living and working there for a minimum of two years immediately prior to their nomination. The award is worth $5,000. TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) is a global organization dedicated to advancing science and engineering in developing countries to tackle challenges like hunger, disease, and poverty. The Atta-ur-Rahman Award is one of its prestigious prizes, established in collaboration with Searle Company Ltd to honor significant contributions to the field of chemistry.

Award Details

• Prize Money: $5,000.
• Eligibility: Open to chemists not older than 45 who are nationals of a science-and-technology lagging country (STLC) and have resided and worked in such a country for at least two years.
• Field: All fields of chemistry are eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a national of a science-and-technology lagging country (STLC) as defined by TWAS.
• Have worked and lived in an eligible country for at least two years prior to the nomination.
• Be 45 years of age or younger at the time of nomination.
• Individuals who have previously won a TWAS-named Award are not eligible for this award.

Nomination and Selection Process

Nominations are accepted from: TWAS members, science academies, national research councils, universities, and scientific institutions in both developing and developed countries.

Self-nominations are not accepted. The process involves:

1. Pre-screening of nominees by TWAS.
2. Evaluation of qualified dossiers by an independent jury.
3. A final selection by Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman based on the jury’s evaluation.

How to Nominate a Scientist

Interested nominators should submit their proposals through the official TWAS nomination portal. This is not a self-application process.

Nomination Link: Visit the official TWAS website for the nomination platform.

Why This Award Matters

This award acknowledges and promotes scientific excellence in developing nations. For early-to-mid career chemists from underrepresented regions, it provides significant financial support ($5,000) and international recognition, which can be pivotal for their research careers. By recognizing talent in STLCs, the award encourages scientific advancement and capacity building where it is most needed.

For More Information: Visit the Official TWAS-Atta-ur-Rahman Award Page