Award Eligibility and Limitations
The World Sustainability Award is non-transferable and may be granted only once to any individual. The award will honor one recipient from each of the three sustainability categories: Biosphere, Society, and Economy. In the event that no suitable candidate is identified for a particular category, the award will not be conferred for that category in that year. Each recipient will receive a monetary prize of 50,000 USD. The MDPI Sustainability Foundation reserves the right to withhold or revoke the award in cases of misrepresentation, ethical misconduct, or failure to meet eligibility requirements.
Recipient Obligations
Awardees are expected to participate in the official award ceremony, held during the World Sustainability Forum. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, subject to specific terms communicated directly to each recipient. However, should a recipient be unable to attend in person due to health, accessibility, or other valid reasons, alternative arrangements—such as remote participation or representation by a delegate—may be agreed upon in consultation with the Foundation.
By accepting the award, recipients agree to participate in related publicity and communication activities. The Foundation may use the awardee’s name, image, institutional affiliation, and biography in announcements and promotional materials.
Trophy and Prize Distribution
Each recipient will receive a customized trophy and a monetary prize of 50,000 USD, both presented during the World Sustainability Forum. Since all winners are identified in advance and awarded equally, trophies are prepared ahead of the ceremony and handed over during the official presentation.
Selection Process and Oversight
All decisions of the Selection Committee are final and not subject to appeal. The MDPI Sustainability Foundation ensures a fair, independent, and transparent selection process, in line with international best practices. All submitted materials and committee deliberations are treated as strictly confidential.
Conflicts of Interest
Members of the Selection Committee must declare any actual or perceived conflicts of interest prior to the evaluation process. Conflicts may include personal relationships, recent collaborations, or institutional or financial ties to nominees. Members with a conflict must recuse themselves from the evaluation and discussion of relevant submissions. Failure to disclose a conflict may result in removal from the Committee.
Publicity and Consent
By accepting the award, recipients agree to participate in post-award communication and publicity activities, including interviews, profiles, and the use of their name, affiliation, image, and biography in official announcements and promotional materials issued by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation.
Recipients may also be invited to complete follow-up questionnaires to support reporting, impact assessment, and future improvements to the award program.
Use of Prize Funds
Prize funds are awarded without restriction. Recipients are encouraged to use the funds to support continued research, academic development, or sustainability-related initiatives.
Data Protection
All personal data submitted during the nomination process will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws and used solely for the administration of the award.