TWAS–Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award 2026: Recognizing Women Scientists in Developing Countries
The World Academy of Sciences has opened nominations for the 2026 TWAS–Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award, a prestigious recognition honoring outstanding women scientists from scientifically and technologically lagging (STL) countries.
Named after renowned scientist Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi, the award celebrates excellence in scientific research while promoting gender equity in global science. The 2026 edition will focus on Agricultural Sciences and Biology, with nominations due by 30 June 2026.
Overview of the Award
The TWAS–Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award is an annual initiative aimed at highlighting the contributions of women scientists working in resource-constrained environments. The award includes:
- A cash prize of USD 4,000
- International recognition within the global scientific community
- Opportunities to enhance visibility and impact of research
The award rotates across scientific disciplines each year, with the 2026 cycle dedicated to advancing innovation in agriculture and biological sciences.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible nominees must meet the following requirements:
- Be a female scientist
- Be a national of a scientifically and technologically lagging country
- Have been living and working in that country for at least two years prior to nomination
- Demonstrate significant contributions in Agricultural Sciences and/or Biology
Additional conditions include:
- Fellows of TWAS are not eligible
- Previous recipients of TWAS-named awards cannot be nominated for another TWAS Fellow-named award
- Self-nominations are not accepted
Who Can Nominate
Nominations must be submitted by recognized institutions or individuals, including:
- TWAS members
- Science academies
- Universities and research institutions
- National research councils
This ensures a rigorous and credible selection process based on peer recognition and institutional endorsement.
Nomination Requirements
A complete nomination must include comprehensive documentation to support the candidate’s achievements and impact. Required materials include:
- Nominator and nominee contact details
- Proof of nominee’s eligibility and country of residence
- Signed authorization for data processing
- A 15–20 word citation summarizing the nominee’s achievements
- A detailed supporting statement outlining scientific contributions and impact
- A forward-looking research project proposal
- Information on time spent abroad in the past two years
- Academic background, including PhD details
- Membership in scientific societies and academies
- Awards and honors received
- A list of 10 key publications
- Full CV and complete publication list
- Google Scholar h-index and citation count
Applicants must ensure that all submissions adhere to specified formatting and character limits, as incomplete or vague applications may negatively affect evaluation.
Application and Submission Process
Nominations must be submitted through the official TWAS online platform. The process includes:
- Completing all required fields in the nomination form
- Uploading supporting documents
- Verifying entries using the system’s validation tool
- Submitting the finalized nomination before the deadline
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early to allow sufficient time for review and corrections.
Selection and Evaluation
Nominations will be evaluated based on:
- Scientific excellence and originality
- Impact of research within the relevant field
- Contribution to advancing science in developing countries
- Clarity and strength of supporting documentation
The selection process emphasizes both past achievements and future potential, ensuring that awardees continue to contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement.
Past Awardees and Impact
The TWAS–Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award has recognized exceptional women scientists from across the Global South. Recent recipients include:
- Angelina Mwesige Kakooza (2025) for research on neurodevelopmental disorders
- Samia Subrina (2024) for work in nanoscale materials
- Nyovani Janet Madise (2023) for contributions to public health and social research
These awardees exemplify the programme’s mission to elevate scientific leadership and innovation in developing regions.
Key Considerations for Applicants
Nominators should ensure that:
- All required documents are complete and accurate
- Supporting statements clearly demonstrate scientific impact
- The nominee’s work aligns with the 2026 focus area
- Submissions comply with all technical and formatting guidelines
Attention to detail and clarity in presenting the nominee’s contributions are critical for a successful application.
Conclusion
The TWAS–Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award 2026 represents a significant opportunity to recognize and amplify the work of women scientists in developing countries. By celebrating excellence in Agricultural Sciences and Biology, the award contributes to advancing global scientific knowledge while promoting inclusivity and gender equity in research.
Institutions and scientific leaders are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates and contribute to highlighting the achievements of women shaping the future of science in the Global South.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
