2026 research awards
Biology Prize
The b54 Biology Prize recognizes original research that contributes to our understanding of living systems.
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Ecology
- Biotechnology
$1,500Undergraduate
$2,500Postgraduate
Your submission
Submission guidelines.
Submit original thesis or research paper in PDF format
Maximum 50 pages including references and appendices
Must include abstract, methodology, and results sections
Work must be completed within the last 2 academic years
Co-authored work is accepted; applicant must be the primary contributor
All submissions must be in English
Who should apply
Undergraduate and postgraduate students who have completed a thesis or research paper in any area of biology should apply.
Read more: Who should apply
Your work might focus on cell biology, microbiology, plant science, zoology, marine biology, bioinformatics, or any other subdiscipline. We are looking for research that demonstrates careful scientific reasoning, whether it involves laboratory experiments, field observations, computational analysis, or a combination of approaches.
What stands out
The best submissions demonstrate a clear research question, appropriate methodology, and thoughtful interpretation of results.
Read more: What stands out
Judges value work with well-designed experiments or field studies, proper controls, and statistical rigor. Papers that situate their findings within a broader biological context and articulate the significance of their contribution — whether to basic science or to applied problems in health, agriculture, or conservation — are especially strong.
About the prize
This prize spans the full breadth of the biological sciences, from molecular biology and genetics to ecology, evolutionary biology, and biotechnology.
We value research that asks important questions about how organisms function, interact, and evolve. Whether your work involves genome analysis, protein characterization, ecological field studies, or the development of biotechnological tools, this prize is designed to reward scientific curiosity and methodological skill.
Africa's extraordinary biodiversity and its unique public health landscape make it a critically important region for biological research. This prize aims to support students who are contributing to that body of knowledge and to ensure their discoveries gain the visibility they deserve.
The published criteria
Judging criteria.
Clarity and significance of the research question within the biological sciences
Appropriateness and rigor of experimental or observational methodology
Quality of data analysis, statistical methods, and reproducibility
Contribution to scientific understanding or applied biological knowledge
Quality of writing and ability to communicate complex biological concepts
Review & recognition
The 2026 prize cycle.
1 December 2026
Submissions close
December – January
Expert review
By February 2027
Shortlist notified
March 2027
Winners announced
Review process
Submissions close December 1, 2026. Expert panels review all entries during December and January. Shortlisted candidates are notified by February 2027. Winners are announced in March 2027 at a ceremony.
- Send your original thesis or research before the deadline.
- Independent panels assess entries against each field’s published criteria.
- Shortlisted candidates are contacted for verification.
- Winners are announced at a ceremony after verification.
Every submission receives written feedback from the panel.
Award details
Winners receive the prize amount ($1,500 undergraduate / $2,500 postgraduate), an official b54 certificate, a featured profile on the b54 website, and an invitation to present their work. Winners are also connected with mentors in their field.
Applying is free. Results remain provisional until verification is complete. You keep ownership of your research.
How the award reaches you- an official b54 certificate
- a featured profile on the b54 website
- an invitation to present their work
- Winners are also connected with mentors in their field.
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