Frequently Asked Questions

The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity highlights the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s commitment to urgent climate action. Notably, it seeks to speed up the transition to a carbon neutral society, to mitigate the negative effects of climate change for people, the environment and the economy, and to promote a society that is more resilient and better prepared for future global changes and to protect the most vulnerable in particular.

These award recognize people, groups of people and/or organizations from all over the world whose contributions to mitigation and adaptation to climate change stand out for its novelty, innovation and impact. This initiative strives to draw attention to and leverage large-scale climate action responses, helping to speed up the process of decarbonizing the global economy, protecting the people and natural systems from the severe effects associated to climate change and supporting sustainable development.

The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity will be focused in the recognition of accomplishments and contributions to solve the climate crisis for a minimum period of 5 years (2020-2024). Thereafter, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s Board of Directors will announce whether the topic will be maintained or if a new area of recognition of great relevance to humankind will be launched.

In the present context, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation considers any potential recognition areas that can contribute to one or a number of the following outcomes:

• Mitigation: reduction or prevention of greenhouse gas emissions or the increased absorption of already emitted GHG. The mitigation actions require the use of new technologies, clean energy sources, industrial processing, reducing deforestation, reforestation or restoring terrestrial, marine and coastal natural ecosystems, improved methods of sustainable farming and land use, and changes in individual and collective behaviors.
• Adaptation: reducing the negative consequences of climate change by taking measures to prevent or minimize impacts that can no longer be avoided, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events and food insecurity, with actions that include technological measures, nature-based solutions and behavioral changes.

Thus, potential contributions of excellence could include ways to accelerate the decarbonisation of the economy and/or the resilience of ecosystems or social and political systems, such as: climate finance, land-use management instruments, raising public and political awareness, boosting individual and institutional competencies, networks and partnerships with diverse actors from civil society, among others.  

Candidates should be a person, group of people and/or an organization, of any nationality, that is making a significant contribution to develop solutions to tackle the climate crisis, having to demonstrate the reach of outstanding outcomes and provide highly relevant evidence for impact in the future.

Eligible organizations include:

• Legal entities, public or private, profit-seeking or non-profit;
• International organizations;
• Universities and R&D institutions.

Yes, as long the nominees have made convergent contributions to a specific achievement, either through formal collaboration (with nominees belonging to one or more groups) or parallel work.

No.

No.

N0, self-nominations are not permitted. Applications may be submitted through the nomination of third parties.

Yes, any organisation, institution or individual may nominate more than one candidate for the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity.

Yes of course, however the number of times a candidate is nominated is not a criterion taken into account in the selection.

Yes, the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity is a prize of international scope.  Nominations from all over the world are welcome.

No, that is not possible.

If the nominator is not part of the Board or part of the decision-making bodies, yes the nomination would be eligible.

Nominations for the 4th edition of the Prize may be submitted until 23:59 pm (GMT) 17 March 2023. 

All nominations should be submitted in electronic format using the form available at gulbenkian.pt in accordance with the instructions provided.
The Jury may request further information in addition to the documents submitted in the application page.

Exclusively in English.

Additionally it`s highly recommended to upload the curriculum vitae of the nominee as well as up to two Reference letters supporting the nomination.

Yes, just make sure that the contacts are up to date.

The selection process is independent and will be conducted in three phases. Firstly, a Scientific Council will be responsible for preparing a consolidated list of eligible candidates. Secondly, a Jury composed of personalities of internationally recognized reputation in scientific, technological, political and cultural realms, will deliberate in order to identify the first 3 ranked nominations. The final decision will be taken by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s Board of Trustees, based on the proposal presented by the Grand Jury.

The Jury will be responsible for selecting the nominations according to the following criteria:

• Innovation and/or demonstrate potential for long term transformational change.
• Impact /demonstrate benefits for environment & society/ be scalable with potential for long term impact.
• Inspiration /ability to serve as a model/ to show active leadership or to inspire others.
• Relevance of the nomination / timely taking into consideration the contribution it will make to address compelling issues and challenges.

The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, granted yearly, is worth 1 million euros.

Eventually the prize may be awarded to more than one laureate. In the event of more than one laureate being distinguished, the award will be equitably divided.

The winner will be announced on July 19, 2023.

Appeals cannot be made against the decision taken by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

The award ceremony will take place on 19 July 2023 – Calouste Gulbenkian Day – in the Grand Auditorium of the Gulbenkian Foundation. 

The prize should be used in a way that maximizes the valuable contribution of the winning person/organisation.

Yes, the winner will be asked to sign an agreement laying out the terms of the prize.

Please email: [email protected]