Nomination & criteria
The rubric our judges use — published in full.
No nomination fee. No membership required to be nominated.
Step by step
How to nominate
01
Check eligibility
Work must be completed or published within the last 24 months (except Lifetime).
02
Prepare evidence
A 500-word statement, CV, and up to three supporting documents or links.
03
Submit online
Self or third-party nomination. Each nominee may enter one category per cycle.
04
Screening
Secretariat confirms completeness within 10 working days.
05
Panel review
Three independent judges score each entry blind to the nominator.
06
Results
Shortlist published in April; winners announced in May with judges’ summaries.
Scoring
Weighted rubric
Scientific rigour
30%
Soundness of method, data and reasoning.
Originality
25%
New knowledge, approach or application.
Impact
25%
Demonstrable effect on people, policy, industry or the field.
Relevance to Africa
10%
Addresses problems or opportunities on the continent.
Mentorship & openness
10%
Open data, shared methods, training others.
Conflicts of interest
Judges recuse themselves from any entry involving their institution, co-authors or students within the past five years.
Submit a nomination
Nominations for the 2026 cycle close 31 January 2027.
Nomination
Submit an award nomination
You can nominate yourself or someone else. There is no nomination fee.
Online submissions are currently closed.