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Frontiers Planet Prize 2026

The Frontiers Planet Prize recognises groundbreaking work from across all disciplines based on one research article, published in established, peer-reviewed scientific journals. The work must be focused on at least one of the 9 Planetary Boundaries and present origial research findings or insightful reviews and syntheses that help to reduce the destabilization of the Earth's system.

One national candidate will be selected for each country.  Three international champions will win $1 million (USD) each.

More Information

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Frontiers Planet Prize, the following conditions must be met:

• Research is based on one research article, published in established, peer-reviewed scientific journals, with robust peer review and transparent publication procedures.
• The article’s acceptance date must fall within the two years before the competition launch date: November 1st 2023, to October 31st 2025.
• The prize welcomes breakthrough research across all disciplines, on condition it is focused on planetary boundaries and presents original research findings or insightful reviews and syntheses that help to reduce the destabilization of the Earth system.
• The research outlines actionable solutions or pathways that can be implemented in policies, adapted commercially, or otherwise contribute to keep global development within planetary boundaries.
• The research advances the scientific understanding and quantification of planetary boundaries. It explores how planetary boundaries are affected or impact life support systems / the Earth system or investigates the implications of adopting planetary boundaries thinking across disciplines, sectors and activities/applications.
• The research must connect to several planetary boundaries at the Earth system scale. Research that explores interactions / relations between multiple planetary boundaries will be prioritized.

The Frontiers Planet Prize is awarded to the best research that focuses on advancing insights, approaches, and scalable solutions to navigate a world that develops within the safe operating space of the  9 Planetary Boundaries:

1. Atmospheric aerosol loading
2. Chemical pollution
3. Climate change
4. Freshwater consumption
5. Land system change
6. Loss of biosphere integrity
7. Novel entities
8. Ocean acidification
9. Stratospheric ozone depletion

Nomination Process

For the 2026 Prize the Royal Society of Canada is serving as Canada's National Representative Body (NRB).  Western has a quota of three nominees.  To be considered as one of Western's nominees, a nomination will consist of an application form and a digital copy of the article considered for nomination

Resources

• Application Form

EDID Supports

Dedicated support and resources for Indigenous research and Equity Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization in research are available through the Inclusive Research Excellence and Impact team. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or book a consultation. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact the team early for determination and support.

Submission

Please submit nominations by email to rwprizes@uwo.ca. 

Deadlines

Internal September 10, 2025	Notice of Intent to nominate - send to rwprizes@uwo.ca.
Internal October 1, 2025	Submit the nomination form and digital copy of article for consideration as Western's nominees to  rwprizes@uwo.ca.
National October 17, 2025	Western University submits candidates to the Royal Society of Canada (NRB).
Agency December 1, 2025	Royal Society of Canada (NRB) submits top three candidates for consideration for the national prize.