/ Medals and awards

Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize

The Rising Star Africa Prize is awarded to early-career research scientists based in Africa who are making an innovative contribution to the physical, mathematical and engineering sciences.

  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

    Exact date TBC

The award

The Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize is to recognise early-career research scientists based in Africa who are making an innovative contribution to the physical, mathematical and engineering sciences. The prize was established in memory of Paul O’Brien FRS and his work encouraging excellence in science and education in Africa. Winners will receive a grant of £14,000 to support their research and a personal gift of £1,000.

Eligibility

The Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize is open to African citizens. It is restricted to early career scientists with no more than 15 years since achieving their PhD (not including career breaks) and nominations will remain valid and shall be considered by the award selection committee throughout three nomination cycles.

The terms and conditions of the Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize (PDF) should be read before submitting a nomination.

Nominations are closed

Nominations are closed and will reopen in December 2025. 

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Past winners

  • Dr Wade F Petersen
    Awarded in 2023

    Dr Wade Petersen

    For his research into new methods for the construction of molecules relevant to drug discovery using visible light as a source of energy.
  • Khalil Tamersit
    Awarded in 2022

    Dr Khalil Tamersit

    For his work on high-performance nanoelectronic devices, and his innovative research proposal.
  • blank avatar
    Awarded in 2021

    Dr Nowsheen Goonoo

    For her work on the fabrication, characterisation and application of biominerals, and her innovative research proposal.