Awards
The MDPI Sustainability Foundation recognizes outstanding contributions to sustainability research and leadership through our official awards and through awards we proudly promote.
Foundation's Awards
The MDPI Sustainability Foundation proudly presents the World Sustainability Award (WSA) and Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) as part of the World Sustainability Forum. Starting in 2025, this global event and its awards ceremony will take place annually, celebrating the scholarly contributions of individuals to sustainability research.
World Sustainability Award (WSA)
The World Sustainability Award (WSA) is presented by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation to individuals that have made significant contributions to scholarly research on sustainability. It is awarded annually at the World Sustainability Forum (WSF). For the 2026 edition it consists of a monetary prize of 100,000 USD.
Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA)
The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) is presented by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation to early-career researchers that have made significant contributions to scholarly research on sustainability. It is awarded annually at the World Sustainability Forum (WSF). For the 2026 edition it consists of a monetary prize of 20,000 USD.
Other MDPI Awards (Promoted)
Awards are recognitions supported or promoted by MDPI. These are not official awards of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation.
Tu Youyou Award
Professor Tu Youyou, Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine in 2015, was recognized for discovering artemisinin, a drug that greatly reduced malaria mortality. In recognition of her contributions, MDPI is proud to sponsor a biennial award in her honor.
Michele Parrinello Award
The Michele Parrinello Award was established in 2025 in honor of Professor Michele Parrinello, celebrating his pioneering contributions and profound impact on computational physical science. Presented biennially, the award recognizes distinguished scientists who have made outstanding achievements and contributions spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.