Royal Society of Canada (RSC) - The Frontiers Planet Prize 2026
Description
The ambition of the Frontiers Planet Prize is to “directly address the planetary crisis, by mobilizing scientists engaged in breakthrough research, with the greatest potential to stabilize the planet’s ecosystem.” Only inspired science, technological breakthroughs and widespread global action can spark off a green renaissance at the scale required.
The RSC is proud to serve as Canada’s National Representative Body (NRB) for The Frontiers Planet Prize. As the NRB, the RSC coordinates Canada’s participation by supporting universities and research institutions in registering as National Nominating Bodies (NNBs). NNBs nominate their top scientists for the prize, recognizing research that addresses critical sustainability challenges.
Eligibility
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Research must be based on one research article, published in established, peer-reviewed scientific journals, with robust peer review and transparent publication procedures.
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The article’s acceptance date must fall within the two years before the competition launch date.
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The prize welcomes breakthrough research across all disciplines, on condition it is focused on planetary boundaries and presents original research findings or insightful reviews and syntheses that help to reduce the destabilization of the Earth system.
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The research outlines actionable solutions or pathways that can be implemented in policies, adapted commercially or otherwise contribute to keep global development within planetary boundaries.
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The research advances the scientific understanding and quantification of planetary boundaries. It explores how planetary boundaries are affected or impact life support systems / the Earth system or investigates the implications of adopting planetary boundaries thinking across disciplines, sectors and activities/applications.
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The research must connect to several planetary boundaries at the Earth system scale. Research that explores interactions / relations between multiple planetary boundaries will be prioritized.
Prize
Three prizes of $1 million USD awarded annually.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Internal Deadline | If you wish to be considered for VPR nomination:
Career interruptions due to parental leave, family care, extended illness or community responsibilities will not negatively impact the committee’s assessment of a candidate’s research productivity. These will be taken into consideration when EOIs are assessed. | |
External Deadline | If your nomination will be submitted by a nominator other than the VPR, please submit directly to the sponsor by the external deadline. Please also submit a copy of the full nomination and OR-5 to research.services@uoguelph.ca. |
How to Apply
The Vice-President (Research & Innovation) encourages nominations for this prestigious award and will serve as nominator for those nominees recommended by the Honours and Awards Advisory Committee. If you wish to nominate a colleague or to be considered for VPR nomination:
- We recommend discussing your interest in this award with your College Research Manager and Associate Dean (Research).
- Complete the Expression of Interest document.
- Send the completed Expression of Interest document and a CV to kkariyap@uoguelph.ca and copy your College Research Manager by the internal deadline.
Career interruptions due to parental leave, family care, extended illness or community responsibilities will not negatively impact the committee’s assessment of a candidate’s research productivity. These will be taken into consideration when EOIs are assessed.
If your nomination will be submitted by a different nominee, and therefore does not require the Vice-President's endorsement, please submit a complete nomination and signed OR-5 to research.services@uoguelph.ca by the external deadline.
For More Information
Please contact kkariyap@uoguelph.ca or visit the RSC Frontiers Planet Prize webpage or the Frontiers Planet Prize webpage.