St Andrews Prize for the Environment 2024 now open for entries

The University of St Andrews launched its annual global Prize for the Environment today (Wednesday 20 March).

The St Andrews Prize for the Environment is a significant global initiative that identifies and champions innovative and inspiring responses to environmental challenges, including the climate crisis.

Now in its 26th year, the St Andrews Prize for the Environment was established by the University to reward and promote the most significant global contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Since 1998, the Prize has awarded more than US$2.5 million in prize money across the world to individuals and organisations working to create a sustainable future. There have been 25 winners and 60 runners-up who have received a cash prize to further develop and implement their projects.

The 2023 Prize was awarded to Alianza Ceibo, for their Indigenous-led model for the sustainable protection of the Upper Amazon Rainforest, which you can learn more about on YouTube.

Applications are now invited from individuals, multi-disciplinary teams, or community groups for the 2024 Prize, which is worth US$100,000 for the winner and US$25,000 for the runners-up.

Since its inception, the Prize has attracted more than 6000 entries from across the world. It has provided crucial support to a diverse range of projects which have reduced human-animal conflict, promoted environmental justice, developed new solutions to reduce and eliminate waste, and championed urban regeneration.

Entries  for the 2024 Prize will be assessed by a panel of judges with expertise in conservation, economics, and environmental science.

Anyone wishing to enter the 2024 Prize should complete the online entry form on the St Andrews Prize for the Environment website. The closing date for entries is Friday 12 April 2024.

Professor Sir Ian Boyd FRS FRSE PRSB, Chair of the St Andrews Prize for the Environment judging panel, said: “The St Andrews Prize is an opportunity for those leading creative and imaginative efforts in their countries and communities to receive well-deserved recognition for their outstanding work. The Prize serves both to celebrate and to inspire those working on what is surely the most pressing challenge of our times.”

Three projects will be selected to participate in the St Andrews Prize for the Environment final, which will take place at the University of St Andrews from Wednesday 30 to Thursday 31 October. Finalists must be present in St Andrews from Tuesday 29 October until Friday 1 November 2024 to participate in the proceedings in person.

Full details about the Prize, the entry process and the eligibility criteria are available on the St Andrews Prize for the Environment website, or by emailing the St Andrews Prize for the Environment office at [email protected].