Apply for the Royal Society Africa Prize

The Royal Society Africa Prize recognises senior research scientists based in Africa for innovative contributions to the sciences. Winners receive a £15,000 research grant, a £2,000 personal award, a commemorative medal, and deliver a Prize Lecture at the Royal Society. Nominations must be submitted by senior academics and are linked to African centres of excellence.

Overview

The Royal Society Africa Prize celebrates senior African scientists (15+ years post-PhD) who demonstrate innovation in their research and contribute to building scientific capacity in Africa. The prize supports projects with potential to extend beyond the initial funding period.

Prize Benefits

Research Grant: £15,000 (including VAT where applicable) for the recipient’s project.
Personal Prize: £2,000 awarded to the recipient.
Commemorative Medal: Presented at the awarding ceremony.
Prize Lecture: Delivered by the recipient at the Royal Society during the award ceremony.

Key Objectives

Promote scientific innovation in Africa.
Support capacity building through sustainable research projects.
Recognise senior scientists with a strong record of achievement.

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a research scientist based in Africa.
Senior stage of career: more than 15 years post-PhD.
Project must be conducted at an African centre of excellence, typically a university or equivalent research institution.
Nominations made by senior academics or national academy members.
Grant funds cannot be used for personal salary, remuneration, or research assistant salaries.

Project Requirements

Research should have potential continuity beyond the 12-month grant.
Recipients must comply with all national and local ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements.
Human research: Requires ethical permission certificate.
Human tissue research: Must follow MRC Human Tissue Guidelines or national equivalents.
Animal research: Must comply with UK legislation and local ethical review procedures.

How to Apply / Nominate

Nominations submitted by senior academics or national academy members.
Project must be linked to an African centre of excellence.
Ensure nominee meets eligibility criteria for seniority and research base.
Submit nomination before 20 February 2026.
Notify the Royal Society of any changes in project scope, status, or location during the award period.

Tips for Applicants

Clearly demonstrate the innovative nature of the research.
Highlight the capacity-building potential for African science.
Ensure all ethical approvals are in place before submission.
Provide details showing how the project will continue beyond the grant period.

FAQs

1. Who can nominate a candidate?

Nominations must come from senior academics or members of national academies of science.

2. Can the grant be used for salaries?

No. Grant funds cannot support the recipient’s salaryor salaries for research assistants.

3. Is the award open to early-career researchers?

No. Applicants must be more than 15 years post-PhD.

4. Can research involving human or animal subjects be funded?

Yes, but ethical permissions and compliancewith relevant national and local guidelines are mandatory.

5. How is the award disbursed?

The research grant is paid in one installmentafter the recipient attends the Royal Society Prize Lecture and awarding ceremony.

6. Are there restrictions on where research must be conducted?

Yes, research must be carried out at an African centre of excellence.

7. What is the nomination deadline?

Nominations must be submitted by 20 February 2026.

Conclusion

The Royal Society Africa Prize is a prestigious opportunity for senior African scientists to gain recognition, funding, and support for impactful research. By combining financial support with capacity-building goals, the prize fosters innovation and strengthens scientific development across the continent.