MDPI Sustainability Foundation seeks early-career scientists making exceptional contributions to sustainability research
Early-career researchers making significant contributions to sustainability science and practice are being invited to compete for a prestigious international award offering a USD 20,000 prize.
The MDPI Sustainability Foundation has announced the 2027 Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA), recognising researchers whose work demonstrates innovation, academic excellence, and meaningful societal impact across the sustainability field.
The award will honour one outstanding researcher whose contributions address major sustainability challenges, whether through broad interdisciplinary research or a specific sustainability-focused area.
The selected recipient will receive the monetary award and be formally recognised during the World Sustainability Forum 2027.
Award celebrates next generation of sustainability research leaders
The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award was created to highlight researchers who are shaping the future of sustainability through groundbreaking ideas and impactful research.
The 2027 award is aimed at early-career researchers who have demonstrated:
- Outstanding contributions to sustainability research
- Innovation in addressing sustainability challenges
- Strong academic achievements
- Evidence of societal or environmental impact
- Leadership within the sustainability research community
The award recognises sustainability research across a wide range of disciplines and approaches.
Eligible researchers typically within 10 years of PhD completion
The award is designed for emerging researchers who are establishing themselves as leaders in sustainability science.
Eligible nominees are typically:
- Early-career researchers
- Within 10 years of completing their PhD
- Actively contributing to sustainability-related research or practice
Researchers may be nominated for contributions covering the full sustainability spectrum, including work addressing environmental, social, economic, technological, or interdisciplinary challenges.
Nominations open in July 2026
The nomination process for the 2027 Emerging Sustainability Leader Award will open on:
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Nominations may be submitted through the official online platform either as:
- Self-nominations by eligible researchers
- Nominations submitted by qualified third parties
Applicants and nominators will be required to provide relevant information demonstrating the nominee’s research achievements, impact, and leadership potential.
International sustainability experts to select award winner
Following the nomination deadline, submissions will be reviewed by a Selection Committee made up of internationally recognised sustainability experts.
The committee will assess eligible nominations based on the award criteria and select the final recipient.
The successful awardee will be notified after the selection process and will be expected to attend the award ceremony during the World Sustainability Forum 2027.
Award continues recognition of impactful sustainability researchers
Previous recipients of the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award have been recognised for advancing innovative solutions and research approaches within sustainability.
The 2026 award was presented to Katrina Knauer for visionary leadership and contributions to sustainability research.
The award continues to highlight researchers whose work helps address urgent global sustainability challenges.
Opportunity for researchers shaping a sustainable future
The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award provides international recognition and financial support for researchers whose work is helping transform sustainability knowledge into practical solutions.
Researchers and institutions interested in recognising outstanding sustainability leaders are encouraged to prepare nominations ahead of the 2027 award cycle.
Award: Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA)
Prize: USD 20,000
Awarding organisation: MDPI Sustainability Foundation
Nomination opening date: 1 July 2026
Recognition event: World Sustainability Forum 2027
