Award

OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Women in Science Awards

Each year, OWSD recognises the outstanding scientific careers of  5 women scientists from the developing world. The themes of the awards correspond to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Since 2012 the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early-Career Women Scientists in the Developing World recognize the achievements of researchers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge. The program represents a longstanding partnership between the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the Elsevier Foundation.

Call to applications for 2026 awards is closed.

The 2026 winners were announced.

Five Trailblazing Women Scientists from the Global South Receive 2026 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award for Sustainable Energy

2026 – Sustainable, affordable and reliable energy (SDG7) winners

  • Victoire Ghafi Kondi Akara

    Resident Researcher in Climate Sciences, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Research and Innovation Centre (AIMS RIC)

  • Cristina Dominguez

    Project Manager and Country Director (Guatemala), NRECA International

  • Fadia Alhaj Hussien

    Lecturer and Researcher, Hama University

  • Duleeka Sandamali Gunarathne

    Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa

  • Tabitha Awuor Amollo

    Lecturer and Researcher, Egerton University

View Past Winners

Awards cycle

The awards cycle 2022-26 covers the following themes: 

  • 2022: Climate action and the environment (SDG13, SDG14, SDG15)
  • 2023: Food security, agricultural productivity and sustainable food production (SDG2)
  • 2024: Water, sanitation and hygiene (SDG6)
  • 2025: Inclusive health (SDG3) – awardees already selected
  • 2026: Sustainable, affordable and reliable energy (SDG7)

Awards selection

Assessment is based on the applicant’s achievements in her scientific field, with additional attention paid to evidence of leadership skills, initiative and innovation, as well as to the candidate’s involvement in capacity building, outreach and civic contribution.

The selection committee looks for excellent science of relevance to and with a demonstrable impact in the developing world. Innovative techniques or methodologies (especially with regard to sustainable development) are favourably considered. 

Applications that demonstrate an awareness of the importance of sex and/or gender considerations in research methodology and content may be prioritised. Additionally, researchers are encouraged to demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration within the natural sciences, but also with the social sciences and humanities.

Related awards

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