Overview

The African Planet Prize (APP) is an African Academy of Sciences (AAS) initiative delivered in partnership with the Frontiers Research Foundation as part of the global Frontiers Planet Prize ecosystem. APP shines a spotlight on Africa‑led scientific breakthroughs that help humanity operate safely within the Earth’s nine planetary boundaries—supporting solutions for climate stability, thriving biodiversity, resilient food and water systems, and healthy communities. 

Through a network of participating African research institutions, the Prize annually identifies and showcases outstanding peer‑reviewed research with strong potential for real‑world impact. Beyond recognition, APP fosters collaboration across disciplines and countries, connects scientists with policy and industry, and elevates African leadership in sustainability science on the global stage.

Objectives

The objectives of the APP are to:

• Recognize and reward exceptional Africa‑led research addressing the nine planetary boundaries.
• Catalyze translation and uptake of research into policy, industry, and community practice.
• Build a pan‑African network of institutions committed to excellence in sustainability science.
• Promote open, collaborative science and south‑south/north‑south partnerships.
• Showcase African scientific leadership to global audiences and funders.

Project Timelines (Annual Cycle)

APP follows an annual cycle with four phases. Exact dates are announced each cycle on the AAS website and social media channels.

• Phase 1 – Institutional Registration: African universities, research councils, and institutes register 
• Phase 2 – Nominations: after approval of the registration by AAS, each Institution nominates outstanding peer‑reviewed research outputs by eligible scientists/teams.
• Phase 3 – Review & Continental Selection: An independent Jury evaluates submissions against published criteria and selects the African Planet Prize laureate(s).
• Phase 4 – Recognition & Engagement: Winners are announced and profiled; AAS convenes policy, industry, and community dialogues to accelerate uptake.

Focus Areas

APP welcomes research that advances solutions across the nine planetary boundaries. Illustrative focus areas include:

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Biosphere integrity (biodiversity protection and restoration)
• Land‑system change / regenerative landscapes
• Freshwater use / water security
• Biogeochemical flows (nitrogen & phosphorus) / sustainable agriculture
• Novel entities (pollution, plastics, hazardous chemicals)
• Ocean acidification / coastal resilience
• Atmospheric aerosol loading / air quality
• Stratospheric ozone protection

Resources

For additional information on the Planet Prize, you can refer to the below resources.
Funding call link
Frontiers Planet Prize National Nominating Bodies Brochure 4th Edition.
Frontiers Planet Prize Scientists Brochure 4th Edition.

Contacts

For enquiries about eligibility, institutional registration, or nominations, please contact the African Planet Prize team at AAS:
Dr. Marilena Cabral – Technical lead – m.cabral@aasciences.africa
Dr Rowland Opisa- Project Lead, AAS r.opisa@aascience.africa
For media enquiries: communication@aasciences.africa