Applications open for the 2026 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award.
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award. OWSD is inviting applications from early career women scientists hailing from the Global South who are engaged in the field of sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy.
Eligibility Requirements – OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award
The applicant must be a woman who has obtained her PhD in a scientific discipline within the last ten years (the date on the PhD certificate must not precede the application deadline by more than 10 years) and whose ongoing scientific research pertains to sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy.
Considering that from 2022 to 2026 the awards will align with the call to action established by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), applicants are required to illustrate how their research contributes to the enhancement of knowledge in sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy and to the realization of SDG7 (Affordable and clean energy).
The OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards are designated for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Applications from women in Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, or other fields are NOT eligible.
Eligible STEM fields – OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award
- Agricultural Sciences
- Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences
- Biological Systems and Organisms
- Chemical Sciences
- Computing and Information Technology
- Engineering Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Medical and Health Sciences (including Neurosciences)
- Physics
- Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology
Prize – OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award
- Cash prize of USD 5,000.
- All-expenses-paid trip to attend a relevant international conference.
The 5 awards will be distributed as follows: one for each of the four regions of the developing world (Africa, Arab region, Asia & the Pacific and Latin America & the Caribbean), plus an additional ¨floating” award for an outstanding candidate from any of these regions.
Applications – OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award
We invite applications for the 2026 awards from women scientists who have made notable contributions in the field of sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy. Eligible candidates should have research linked to SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and must have resided and worked for a minimum of 5 years in an eligible STLC.
Applications are required to be submitted online in English and must include:
Official documentation verifying 5 years of residency in an eligible STLC.
The following documents may serve as proof of residence, provided that the applicant’s name (as it appears in the online form) is clearly visible: a statement from the local police office or municipality, a population registry document, a rental agreement, utility bills, or an employment contract. This list is not exhaustive, and alternative documents may be accepted. If you are uncertain about the eligibility of your documents, please contact [email protected].
Evidence demonstrating how your research contributes to the advancement of SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
A motivational statement, not exceeding 2500 characters, explaining why you should be chosen for this award, the high quality of your research, your most significant achievements in your scientific career, the impact of your work at local, regional, and international levels, and any personal or professional challenges you have faced and overcome in your context (for convenience, we suggest preparing this in advance and copying it into the text box).
PhD certificate.
Curriculum vitae.
A complete list of publications.
At least 2 reference letters (these must be prepared on official letterhead and should be authored and signed by senior scientists who are familiar with your research).
For details visit the Official Webpage of the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award.
