Through the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientists Awards, the MAB programme is investing in a new generation of scientists worldwide, because well-trained and committed young people are key to addressing ecological and sustainability issues.
The MAB Young Scientists awards can grant up to US$ 5,000 to young researchers in support of their research on ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity. They were created in 1989.
MAB Young Scientist Awards – Prince Albert I of Monaco
Since 2022, the MAB Young Scientists Awards has received support from the Principality of Monaco enabling additional annual fellowships specifically benefitting studies on marine, island and coastal issues in biosphere reserves.
This generous support reinforces the contribution of the MAB Programme towards the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Around the world, more than 200 coastal, island and marine biosphere reserves make a crucial contribution to the Decade by promoting the integrated conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems with sustainable human development supported by research and knowledge exchange. The MAB Programme’s World Network of Islands and Coastal Biosphere Reserves plays a particular global coordinating role in this regard, mobilizing island and coastal biosphere reserves in support of the UN Decade.
In 2024, the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme decided to name these grants the “MAB Young Scientist Awards – Prince Albert I of Monaco”, in honor of his contribution to ocean exploration and scientific research.
Objectives
The MAB Young Scientists Award Scheme aims to:
- encourage young scientists, in particular those from developing countries, to use MAB research, project sites and biosphere reserves in their research;
- encourage young scientists who already use such sites to undertake comparative studies in other sites in or outside their own country;
- promote and encourage the exchange of information and experience among a new generation of scientists;
- involve young scientist in the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan 2026-2035 (HSAP);
- enhance awareness among young scientists of the role of research in the implementation of the SDGs – in particular when conducted in biosphere reserves;
- through the granting of dedicated fellowships for studies on marine, island and coastal issues in biosphere reserves, encourage young scientists to apply for MAB YSA within this thematic area and thereby mobilizing young scientists to engage actively in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Criteria
The following criteria are used in the selection of MAB Young Scientists Awards:
- To be eligible, award applications must be made on the MAB Young Scientists Award application form (in English or French) and follow-up technical requirements stated there. The application must be endorsed by the applicant’s MAB National Committee, which may endorse only two applications per year from applicants who are not older than 35 years of age (at the closing date of the application).
- Applications must contain concise information on past and existing research in areas concerned in order to present linkages, avoid duplication and ensure that the Award does not finance already completed projects
- Priority is given to interdisciplinary projects carried out in biosphere reserves designated under the Man and the Biosphere Programme or potential biosphere reserves and which contribute to the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan and the SDGs. In this regard, applicants shall identify in their applications if and how their research contributes to the research-related actions of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan and to the SDGs.
- Applicants from developed countries are eligible for Awards only in exceptional cases or if working in joint partnership with developing countries.
- Awards are set at a maximum of US$5,000 each.
- Research supported by an Award should be completed within two years.
- Candidates must agree to submit reports of Award-funded research to the MAB Secretariat in Paris and to their MAB National Committees*, and agree to UNESCO publishing the results of their research.
- International travel expenses are usually not covered under these Awards.
In 2022, UNESCO and the Principality of Monaco reached an agreement to award five (5) additional prizes per annum to studies focusing on marine, island and coastal issues in biosphere reserves under the name “MAB Young Scientists Award – Prince Albert I of Monaco”.
As a result, a total of eleven (11) awards will be granted in 2026, six (6) under the general criteria and conditions as “MAB Young Scientists Awards” and an additional five (5) studies focusing on marine, island and coastal issues, awarded as “MAB Young Scientists Awards – Prince Albert I of Monaco”
* For the countries in which a MAB National Committee does not exist or is not fully operational, the National Commission for UNESCO will ensure the selection of candidates according to the above criteria.
How to apply
Deadline for applications : 07 May 2026. Note that applications must be received by UNESCO no later than the deadline to be eligible.
The application must be endorsed by the applicant’s MAB National Committee. For the countries in which a MAB National Committee does not exist or is not fully operational, the National Commission for UNESCO will ensure the selection of candidates according to the above criteria. Find the application forms here.
This article was originally published on UNESCO’s website.
Cover photo © Shaun Wolfe / Ocean Image Bank