The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award is conferred upon early-career researchers in recognition of exceptional contributions to sustainability scholarship, innovation, and real-world impact.

The Selection Committee will evaluate nominees according to the following criteria:

• Scientific Excellence: Nominees should have a strong and promising research profile demonstrated through high-quality outputs—either fundamental or applied—within an appropriate disciplinary or interdisciplinary context.
• Contribution to Sustainability Pillars: The nominees’ research must engage with at least two of the three core pillars of sustainability, with clear evidence of relevance and emerging impact:
  • Biosphere: Environmental and ecological systems.
  • Society: Social and cultural dimensions of development.
  • Economy: Economic structures, processes, or innovations.
• Innovation and Feasibility: The research must show originality and present feasible, scalable solutions to current sustainability challenges. Entrepreneurial thinking and application-oriented outputs are encouraged.
• Alignment with Global Agendas: The research should demonstrate a clear connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflect global relevance.
• Potential for Leadership and Broader Impact: There should be evidence of early leadership potential, outreach, collaboration, or influence in academic, policy, or innovation ecosystems.

• Call for nominations opens: 25 July 2025.
• Nomination deadline: 15 December 2025.
• Awardee notification: 30 January 2026.

The official public announcement of the winner will take place during the World Sustainability Forum 2026.

The Selection Committee is responsible for the evaluation and selection of the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award winner. It operates independently and follows a structured, peer-reviewed, and transparent decision-making process.

Composition

The Committee consists of both permanent and non-permanent members.

Permanent Selection Committee Members

The Permanent Selection Committee Members are two individuals who serve throughout the award cycle. One of these permanent members is a representative from the MDPI Board of Directors.

Non-permanent Selection Committee Members

The Non-permanent Selection Committee Members include at least three experts, each representing one of the three core pillars of sustainability: Biosphere, Society, and Economy. Additionally, academics from interdisciplinary fields relevant to sustainability are included.

Appointment and Terms

Each non-permanent member representing a sustainability pillar (Biosphere, Society, or Economy) may be eligible for re-appointment after a minimum of three years following their service on the Selection Committee.

Review Process

The Committee assesses nominations using clearly defined criteria and applies peer-review standards to ensure a fair and merit-based evaluation. Decisions are made collectively, either by consensus or majority vote when needed. All deliberations and outcomes remain strictly confidential.

Award Eligibility and Limitations

The Emerging Sustainability Leader Award is non-transferable and may be granted only once to any individual. The award will honor one outstanding early-career researcher, typically within 10 years of completing their PhD, who has made an exceptional academic or societal contribution to sustainability, whether broadly or in relation to a specific sustainability-relevant issue. The recipient will receive a monetary prize of 20,000 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

The awardee is 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, the recipient agrees 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

The ESLA recipient will receive a customized trophy and a monetary prize of 20,000 USD, both presented during the World Sustainability Forum 2026. The trophies are prepared ahead of the World Sustainability Forum event and handed over during the official ceremony.

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, the recipient agrees to participate in post-award communication and publicity activities, including interviews, profiles, and the use of its name, affiliation, image, and biography in official announcements and promotional materials issued by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation.

The recipient 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. The recipient is 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.