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TWAS-Lenovo Science Award | MsingiLab

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TWAS-Lenovo Science Award

$100,000

RollingWebsiteEst. 2013

PrizeScienceMathematicsEngineeringAgricultureSocial SciencesAll Stages

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One of the most prestigious honours for scientists from the developing world. Carries a monetary award of USD $100,000 provided by Lenovo, plus a medal and certificate. The award subject rotates across scientific disciplines in multi-year cycles. Open to nationals of developing countries living and working in the Global South.

What You Get

Cash Prize

USD $100,000 provided by Lenovo

Medal

Official TWAS-Lenovo medal

Certificate

Certificate highlighting major contributions to science

Recognition

Award presented at TWAS General Conference

How to Apply

Nomination-based process. Candidates must be nominated — check TWAS website for current nomination procedures and deadlines. Self-nominations are typically not accepted. Nominations are assessed by scientific committees before selection.

Warm Intro

Required

Geographic Focus

Global South, Developing countries

Decision Timeline

Winners announced annually, typically presented at TWAS General Conference

Key Dates

2026-01-012026 TWAS General Conference — award ceremony (date TBA)

Eligibility

Must be a national of a developing country
Must be living and working in the Global South for at least the last 10 years
Must demonstrate outstanding scientific achievement in the relevant field
Nomination-based — self-nominations not typically accepted

Traction Required

World-class scientific achievements in the designated field; established research career

Team Requirements

Individual scientist with outstanding international merit

Selection Criteria

Scientific excellence and international merit
Impact of research on the field
Contribution to science in the developing world
Significance for global scientific community

Focus Areas

Rotating Disciplines

Subject rotates in multi-year cycles. Cycle 1 (2013-2016): Physics & Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Mathematics, Chemical Sciences. Cycle 2 (2017-2022): Geological Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Social & Economic Sciences.

What They Look For

Outstanding scientific research of international merit conducted at institutions in developing countries. The scientist must be a developing-country national living and working in the Global South for at least 10 years.

Post-Investment Support

TWAS network access, international scientific visibility

Red Flags to Watch

This is for established scientists, not entrepreneurs or startups. The prize rotates fields — check which field is current before nominating. Not Africa-specific, though African scientists are eligible.

Insider Tip

This is one of the largest individual science prizes for developing-world researchers. African scientists have won in past years. The key is identifying the current cycle's scientific field and ensuring the nominee's work aligns. TWAS also offers other prizes (TWAS Awards, TWAS-Apex Award) which may be more immediately relevant depending on the field. Check twas.org/opportunities/deadlines for current openings.

2013

Active Since

Yes

Deploying

Notable Investments

Zhao Dongyuan — winner for outstanding work in basic sciences; Multiple African scientists among past winners