The Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture announces the opening of nominations for the 2026 UNESCO-Russia Mendeleev International Prize in Basic Sciences (4th Edition). Established to promote scientific progress, simplify science for non-specialists, and strengthen international cooperation in basic sciences, this prize celebrates the legacy of Dmitri Mendeleev, the inventor of the periodic table of chemical elements, whose work shaped the future of chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy, and geochemistry, and laid the foundations for what is known today as sustainable development.
The prize is awarded annually to two individuals worldwide in recognition of their outstanding scientific discoveries and contributions to the advancement of basic sciences. Each winner receives US$250,000 and a gold medal.
Eligibility Requirements:
The candidate must have a record of scientific achievements that have had a significant impact on development at the regional or global level, based on the following:
– Excellence in research in the fields of basic science.
– Teaching and popularizing basic science.
– International or regional collaboration in the field of basic science.
– There are no age restrictions for candidates, and the award encourages nominations of female scientists.
Application Procedures:
– Nominations for the award are submitted through the award’s website, along with uploading the required documents (in English or French): https://www.unesco.org/ar/prizes/mendeleev
– The deadline for applications is March 1, 2026. A copy of the required documents should also be sent to the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture via email to:
Info.natcom@mohesr.gov.eg
Natcom.eg@natcom.unesco.org
Science.natcom@mohesr.gov.eg
– For further inquiries, please contact: [01014928650]
Required Documents:
- Nomination letter from the applicant’s employer (signed and stamped).
- Description of the applicant’s background, achievements, and scientific experience.
- Summary of the applicant’s work/research, publications, and supporting documents.
- Description of the applicant’s contribution to achieving the award’s objectives.
- Vitae detailing awards, conferences, and publications.
- A copy of the information and documents uploaded to the application website.