2026 research awards
Engineering Prize
The b54 Engineering Prize recognizes thesis-based research across the engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, civil, chemical, and biomedical engineering.
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Civil
- Biomedical
$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 branch of engineering are encouraged to apply.
Read more: Who should apply
Your work may involve design, simulation, prototyping, testing, or optimization. We are looking for research that demonstrates strong engineering judgment — the ability to define a problem clearly, apply appropriate analytical or experimental methods, and arrive at a solution that is both technically sound and practically feasible.
What stands out
Judges value submissions that demonstrate a clear design process, from problem definition through to validation.
Read more: What stands out
Strong papers include detailed analysis, well-documented methodology, and honest assessment of limitations. Work that addresses a real-world need — particularly one relevant to African communities — and shows consideration of cost, manufacturability, safety, and sustainability tends to stand out. Engineering research that is interdisciplinary or incorporates feedback from end users is also highly regarded.
About the prize
This prize celebrates work that combines analytical rigor with practical design thinking to solve real problems.
Engineering research is inherently applied — it bridges scientific principles and human needs. We welcome submissions that design, prototype, model, or optimize systems, devices, structures, or processes. Whether your work involves finite element analysis, circuit design, structural modeling, control systems, or biomedical device development, this prize is designed to reward both the depth of your analysis and the feasibility of your solution.
Africa faces infrastructure and development challenges that demand innovative engineering solutions. This prize aims to recognize students who are applying their technical skills to problems that matter, and to encourage engineering research that is both rigorous and relevant to the continent's needs.
The published criteria
Judging criteria.
Clarity of the engineering problem definition and design objectives
Rigor of analytical, computational, or experimental methods employed
Feasibility and practicality of the proposed design or solution
Consideration of societal relevance, safety, sustainability, and cost
Quality of documentation, technical drawings, and presentation of results
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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