Closing the gender gap in the highest echelons of scientific research is vital for global innovation. The 2026 TWAS-Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award is a prestigious annual prize designed to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women scientists from the world’s least developed scientific communities.
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Named after the distinguished TWAS Fellow Professor Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi, this award rotates through different scientific disciplines each year. For 2026, the focus is specifically on Agricultural Sciences and Biology. By providing a $4,000 cash prize, the award recognizes the perseverance and impact of female researchers who are driving sustainable solutions in Scientifically and Technologically Lagging (STL) countries.
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2026 TWAS-Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) |
| Donor | Professor Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi |
| Target Audience | Female Scientists in STL Countries |
| Reward | USD 4,000 Cash Prize |
| Focus Fields (2026) | Agricultural Sciences and/or Biology |
| Application Type | Nomination Only (No Self-Nominations) |
| Nomination Deadline | June 30, 2026 |
About the Initiative 2026
The TWAS-Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award is more than just a financial grant; it is an international platform that highlights the work of women who often conduct world-class research under challenging conditions.
For the 2026 cycle, the award seeks to honor achievements that have a direct impact on the fields of Agricultural Sciences and Biology. This includes research that addresses food security, crop resilience, biodiversity, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability. Nominations are invited from science academies, national research councils, universities, and scientific institutions globally.
Core Objectives of the Program
- To recognize and reward high-level scientific achievements by women in STL countries.
- To promote the visibility of female scientists in the global scientific community.
- To foster research in Agricultural Sciences and Biology to solve local and global challenges.
- To support the professional growth of women researchers in developing nations.
Benefits of the 2026 TWAS-Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award
- Cash Reward: The winner receives a generous USD 4,000 prize provided by Professor Al-Kharafi.
- Global Recognition: Winners are featured on the TWAS platform and recognized by international science academies.
- Professional Validation: The award serves as a significant milestone in a scientific career, often leading to further collaborations and funding.
- Legacy: The award contributes to the ongoing mission of TWAS to promote science in the South.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Gender: The nominee must be a female scientist.
- Nationality: Must be a national of a Scientifically and Technologically Lagging (STL) country.
- Residency: Must have been living and working in an STL country for at least two years immediately prior to the nomination.
- Fields: Achievements must be in Agricultural Sciences and/or Biology.
- Exclusions: * Self-nominations are strictly NOT considered.
- TWAS Fellows are not eligible.
- Previous winners of other TWAS-named awards are not eligible for a different named award.
- Nominations from jury members are not accepted.
- Documentation: Nominees must provide signed authorization for data processing.
Phase Nomination Guide for the 2026 TWAS-Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award
Phase 1: Identifying a Qualified Nominator
- Remember that you cannot apply for yourself.
- Contact your University Dean, a member of a National Science Academy, or a TWAS Fellow to act as your nominator.
- Ensure the nominator has a clear understanding of your scientific impact in Agricultural Sciences or Biology.
Phase 2: Document Preparation (The Portfolio)
- Prepare a Brief CV and a Complete List of Publications.
- Select your 10 most significant publications and list them in an internationally accepted format.
- Obtain your h-index and citation count from Google Scholar.
- Draft a Suggested Citation (15-20 words) highlighting your core achievements.
Phase 3: Drafting the Scientific Statements
- Supporting Statement: Write a detailed account of your scientific contribution (max 10,000 characters). Focus on the impact and significance of your work.
- Forward-Looking Project: Outline your planned future activities and how they will advance your field (max 10,000 characters).
- Stay Abroad Record: Provide a clear account of any time spent outside your STL country in the past two years.
Phase 4: Online Nomination Submission
- The nominator must visit the Official TWAS Online Nomination Portal.
- The nominator enters their contact details and the nominee’s information.
- Mandatory Action: The nominee must download, sign, and upload the Privacy Authorization Form (conformity to Art. 13 of the Italian Legislative Decree 196/2003).
Phase 5: Verification & Final Submission
- Use the “Check” button on the online form to verify that all mandatory fields (highlighted in red if missing) are filled.
- Ensure all files (CV, Publication lists, Privacy form) are in the correct format.
- Submit the nomination before June 30, 2026.
Jamnet Expert Advice
- Focus on Impact: The selection committee looks for “scientific impact.” Avoid vague descriptions. Instead, use the STAR Technique to explain a Situation (scientific problem), the Task you set, the Action you took (your research), and the Result (how it helped the community or field).
- Quantify Success: Ensure your h-index and citation counts are up to date. Highlighting how your work in Agricultural Sciences has improved crop yields or local biodiversity provides tangible evidence of excellence.
- Apply the SMART Method: Your “Forward-looking project” should be Specific, Measurable, and Relevant to the challenges of your STL country.
Deadline: June 30, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I nominate myself if I am a very senior scientist? No. Self-nominations are strictly not considered, regardless of seniority.
2. Which countries are considered “STL”? TWAS maintains a specific list of 66 Scientifically and Technologically Lagging countries. You can find the full list at twas.org/66-st-lagging-countries.
3. Is there an age limit for the award? No, there is no age limit for the TWAS-Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award.
4. What if my research is in Medical Sciences? For the 2026 cycle, the award is strictly for Agricultural Sciences and Biology. If your work is medical, you must wait for a year when that field is the focus.
5. How long must I have lived in my home country? You must have been living and working in an STL country for at least two years immediately prior to the June 30, 2026 deadline.
6. Are TWAS Fellows eligible? No, TWAS Fellows are not eligible for this award.
7. Who can be a nominator? TWAS members, science academies, national research councils, universities, and scientific institutions can all submit nominations.
8. What happens if I win? You will receive a USD 4,000 cash prize and global recognition for your work.
9. Can I submit my nomination in a language other than English? All nomination materials and supporting statements should be in English to ensure they can be reviewed by the international jury.
10. When will the winner be announced? The evaluation process usually takes several months after the June deadline, with winners typically announced late in the year or during a TWAS General Meeting.
