2026 research awards
Chemistry Prize
The b54 Chemistry Prize celebrates outstanding research across the chemical sciences, including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry.
- Organic
- Inorganic
- Analytical
- Physical
$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
This prize is for undergraduate and postgraduate students who have completed a thesis or research paper in any area of chemistry.
Read more: Who should apply
Whether you are synthesizing new molecules, characterizing materials, developing analytical methods, or modeling chemical systems computationally, your work is welcome. Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their research makes a meaningful contribution to chemical knowledge or practice.
What stands out
Judges look for strong experimental design, meticulous documentation, and careful interpretation of results.
Read more: What stands out
Submissions that demonstrate reproducibility, explain their choice of methods clearly, and place their findings in the context of existing literature stand out. Research with clear real-world applications — whether in health, agriculture, energy, or the environment — is particularly compelling, as is work that introduces novel synthetic routes or analytical approaches.
About the prize
This prize recognizes work that advances our understanding of chemical processes, develops new materials or methods, or applies chemical knowledge to solve practical problems.
We welcome research that spans the breadth of chemistry — from the synthesis of novel compounds and the study of reaction mechanisms to the development of new analytical techniques and computational chemistry. Work at the intersection of chemistry and neighboring fields such as materials science, environmental science, or biochemistry is equally valued.
African researchers are addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges through chemistry, from water purification and sustainable energy to pharmaceutical development. This prize recognizes the rigor and ingenuity that drives that work forward.
The published criteria
Judging criteria.
Quality and rigor of experimental design and execution
Reproducibility of results and thoroughness of characterization
Novelty of the synthetic approach, analytical method, or theoretical insight
Relevance to real-world challenges or potential for practical application
Engagement with existing chemical literature and sound interpretation of findings
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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