As part of its ongoing efforts to support scientific research and promote innovation in the Arab world, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) is pleased to announce the launch of the 7th edition of the “Technological Creativity and Innovation Award for Young Arab Researchers.”
Launched by ALECSO in 2011, this Award reflects a strong belief in the importance of scientific research as a key driver for achieving sustainable development, bridging the knowledge divide, and building a knowledge-based economy. It seeks to encourage Arab researchers to be creative and innovative, support their scientific output, highlight young Arab talent, and promote applied research aligned with the needs of Arab societies.
The theme chosen for this edition (2025–2026), titled the Sultanate of Oman Edition, is:
“Health vigilance, air quality, and sustainable management of medical and hazardous waste.” This theme responds to growing health and environmental challenges in Arab countries and aims to encourage research and projects that offer innovative and sustainable solutions in this vital field.
The Award covers three subfields:
- Health vigilance: developing smart systems to monitor and predict health and environmental risks;
- Air quality: innovating technologies to improve air quality in cities, institutions, and vital facilities;
- Sustainable management of medical and hazardous waste: providing advanced, environmentally safe solutions for managing medical and hazardous waste.
The Award is granted in three main categories:
– Category 1: Awarded to an Arab researcher who has conducted an innovative applied scientific study in the Award’s field, demonstrating originality, creativity, and sustainable impact, in line with the specified criteria;
– Category 2: Awarded to an Arab researcher who has obtained a patent directly related to the Award’s field, featuring innovative and applicable solutions at the Arab or global level, according to the specified criteria;
– Category 3: Awarded to an Arab institution (university, research center, body, or organization) that has implemented—or is implementing—an innovative project addressing a challenge within the Award’s fields, benefiting surrounding communities and demonstrating sustainability.
Each winner in the three categories will receive an official certificate, a commemorative medal, and a cash prize of USD 5,000.
ALECSO invites all young Arab researchers and scientific institutions to apply and participate in this edition. Applications shall be submitted exclusively through the Award’s online platform (https://ctiaward.alecso.org), where all details regarding eligibility and application procedures are available.
The application deadline is July 10, 2026. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony organized by ALECSO in cooperation with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The ceremony will be hosted by the University of Nizwa in the Sultanate of Oman in the last quarter of 2026.
