The TWAS Apex Award, one of the most prestigious honours bestowed upon scientists from the developing world, is now open for nominations. This award carries a monetary prize of USD 100,000, along with a medal and a certificate recognizing the recipient's significant contributions to quantum science and technology.
Deadline for nominations is 15 May 2025, and is open to scientists from developing countries who have been living and working in the global South for at least the last 10 years.
With this award, The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS), a science academy based in Trieste, Italy, and administered as a UNESCO programme unit, joins the celebrations of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. The international year was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in June 2024, with UNESCO as the lead agency for the year, and recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.
"This award underscores the importance of advancing quantum research and fostering scientific capacity globally," said TWAS President Quarraisha Abdool Karim.
"Quantum innovation has the potential to transform many sectors, from computing, communication to sensing and materials science. TWAS works across the global South to ensure quantum technologies help address global challenges, promote scientific collaboration, and support sustainable development."
The 2025 TWAS Apex Award promotes theoretical and experimental contributions that push the boundaries of fundamental knowledge and foster the translation of quantum principles into practical technologies. It will be presented to a scientist who has demonstrated excellence in advancing the field through original, high-impact research or the development of innovative applications. The recipient will also be invited to give a lecture at the 17th TWAS General Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
About TWAS
For 40 years, The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS) has been a leading force in developing crucial scientific capability in some of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. A global science academy founded in 1983 in Trieste, Italy, TWAS supports sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy, and diplomacy. With its partners, it has graduated over 1,230 PhDs and awarded more than 2,300 postdoctoral fellowships to developing world scientists. The Academy also bestowed almost 1,300 prizes, awarded over 2,800 research grants, trained over 760 individuals in science diplomacy, and supported over 1,400 exchange visits. From the start, the Academy had essential support from Italian scientists and political leaders. TWAS is a programme unit of UNESCO.
2025 TWAS-Apex Award eligibility criteria
Individuals who have previously received the Trieste Science Prize or the TWAS-Lenovo Science Award, or other prestigious international awards with a monetary value equivalent to or greater than that of the TWAS-Apex Award, are not eligible.
Self-nominations and nominations from jury members will not be accepted.
Fellows of TWAS are eligible for the TWAS-Apex Award.
Nominations
Nominations are invited from TWAS members, selected individuals, as well as from science academies, national research councils, universities, and scientific institutions. Nominations of women scientists are particularly encouraged. Nominations can only be submitted electronically through the online platform.
Evaluation
The evaluation and selection will be carried out by an authoritative international jury chaired by the TWAS President.
For more information and to submit nominations, please visit this link.