2026 research awards
Mathematics Prize
The b54 Mathematics Prize recognizes outstanding original research in pure and applied mathematics.
- Algebra
- Topology
- Number theory
- Probability
$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 open to undergraduate and postgraduate students whose thesis or research paper presents original mathematical results.
Read more: Who should apply
You may be working in any area of pure or applied mathematics — what matters is that your work demonstrates genuine mathematical reasoning and contributes new knowledge to the field. If your research proves a novel theorem, introduces a new technique, or applies mathematical methods to solve an open problem, we encourage you to apply.
What stands out
Strong submissions exhibit rigorous proof construction, clear exposition, and mathematical originality.
Read more: What stands out
Judges look for work that goes beyond routine application of known methods: a compelling submission might introduce a new proof technique, establish a surprising connection between fields, or resolve a well-posed conjecture. Clarity of writing matters — the best papers make complex ideas accessible without sacrificing precision.
About the prize
Whether your work advances algebraic structures, explores new territory in topology, or develops novel approaches to differential equations, this prize celebrates the depth and creativity that mathematical inquiry demands.
We welcome submissions spanning every branch of the discipline — from number theory and combinatorics to probability, mathematical logic, and applied analysis. Research that forges unexpected connections between subfields or provides elegant new proofs of longstanding problems is especially valued.
Mathematics is the foundation on which the sciences are built, and African mathematicians have a growing role to play in shaping the frontiers of the field. This prize exists to amplify that contribution and give rigorous work the recognition it deserves.
The published criteria
Judging criteria.
Originality and significance of the mathematical contribution
Rigor and correctness of proofs and logical arguments
Clarity of exposition and mathematical writing quality
Depth of engagement with existing literature and known results
Potential to advance understanding or open new lines of inquiry
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.
Other research fields
Explore the other fields.
- $1,500Undergraduate award
Physics
- Quantum mechanics
- Condensed matter
- Astrophysics
- Fluid dynamics
Closes 1 Dec 2026
- $1,500Undergraduate award
Chemistry
- Organic
- Inorganic
- Analytical
- Physical
Closes 1 Dec 2026
- $1,500Undergraduate award
Biology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Ecology
- Biotechnology
Closes 1 Dec 2026
- $1,500Undergraduate award
Computer Science
- Algorithms
- Machine learning
- Systems design
- Software engineering
Closes 1 Dec 2026
- $1,500Undergraduate award
Engineering
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Civil
- Biomedical
Closes 1 Dec 2026
