Opportunity Title: Call for Applications: AAS Olusegun Obasanjo Prize for Scientific Discovery and/or Technological Innovation 2024

The African Academy of Sciences is thrilled to announce the Olusegun Obasanjo Prize for Scientific Discovery and/or Technological Innovation. This prestigious prize aims to recognize and celebrate African scientists who have made remarkable contributions to scientific discovery or technological innovation.

The AAS is dedicated to nurturing a thriving African scientific community and fostering a culture of scientific discovery and innovation that contributes to socio-economic development across the continent.

The Olusegun Obasanjo Prize is awarded biennially to individual scientists or groups whose work demonstrates outstanding scientific discovery or technological innovation with significant social and economic impact for Africa's development. These breakthroughs may stem from advanced research in academic or research institutions or from indigenous and local knowledge systems.

The International Prize Committee, responsible for selecting the laureate of the Olusegun Obasanjo Prize, employs a rigorous selection process to ensure that awardees meet the highest standards of scientific or technological achievement. The recognized breakthroughs should have either direct or indirect, but meaningful, positive effects on sustainable development, including natural resource management and environmental protection with national or regional significance.

**Themes:**
The Chief Obasanjo Prize will be awarded in the following fields:
- Biotechnology
- Energy
- Information and communication technologies
- Material sciences

**Eligibility Criteria:**
Nominees are evaluated based on merit and achievement, with additional criteria including:
- Active involvement in the relevant scientific or technological area
- Work that is already patented or has the potential for patenting
- Work that has a multiplier effect

The Prize is open to all African scientists and technologists, without regard to gender, ethnicity, or geographical location. However, national scientists and AAS-employed fellows or senior advisors are ineligible for nomination. Likewise, current members of AAS governing organs cannot receive the award.

**Funding Information:**
The Prize, awarded every two years, includes:
- Cash award of US$5,000 (subject to review by the AAS Governing Council)
- Inscribed Gold Medal
- Citation certificate
- Election into AAS Fellowship

The Prize may be awarded to individuals or shared equally among two or more recipients.

**Deadline:**
Applications close on May 3rd, 2024.

Don't miss this opportunity to honor Africa's scientific pioneers and innovators. Apply now or nominate deserving candidates for the AAS Olusegun Obasanjo Prize!