St Andrews invites entries for $100,000 Prize for the Environment

The St Andrews Prize is a $100,000 environmental initiative led by the University of St Andrews that recognises global projects which make significant contributions to environmental issues and concerns, with a focus on sustainability, conservation, biodiversity and community development.

Applications are now invited from individuals, multi disciplinary teams, or community groups from around the world for the 2023 Prize. The Prize winner will receive $100,000 and two runner(s)-up will each receive $25,000.

Now in its 25th year, the St Andrews Prize was established by the University to reward and promote the most significant global contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The Prize has awarded more than $2 million in funding to environmental projects around the world, supporting a wide range of initiatives that address diverse topics, including sustainable development, food security, recycling, health, renewable energy and community education.

Since its inception, the Prize has attracted more than 6,000 entries from across the world. It has provided crucial support to a diverse range of projects which have reduced human-animal conflict, promoted environmental justice, developed new solutions to reduce and eliminate waste, and championed urban regeneration.

To enter the 2023 Prize applicants should complete the online entry form on the St Andrews Prize for the Environment website.

Entries to the Prize are particularly welcome from projects that are global, local and/or scalable, outlining how they will socially and economically impact the communities where they are based.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday 12 April 2023, 23:59 GMT.

The chosen finalists will be invited to attend the St Andrews Prize for the Environment seminar, which will take place at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, on Tuesday 21 November, 2023.

Finalists must attend the seminar to present in person.

The submissions for the Prize will be assessed by a panel of experienced Trustees from science, industry, and government.

Chair of the St Andrews Prize for the Environment Trustees, Professor Sir Ian Boyd, of the University's School of Biology, said: “Now, more than ever, we need to develop and support creative solutions to the climate crisis.

“This is the greatest existential threat facing the world today and, as a world-leading university, it is our responsibility to use and share our expertise, skills and knowledge.

“The St Andrews Prize provides an excellent opportunity to showcase an increasing breadth of knowledge, creativity, and leadership in global sustainability.

“Those who compete for this Prize have consistently inspired us, and it has never been more important for us, as global citizens, to play our part in supporting projects around the world that make a real difference to the communities and countries in which they operate.”