2024 St. Andrews Environmental Prize ($100,000 USD Award)

Introduction to the St. Andrews Environmental Prize ($100,000 USD Award)

Applications for the 2024 St Andrews Prize for the Environment are currently being accepted. Organized by the University of St Andrews, this prestigious global initiative aims to acknowledge and foster innovative approaches to tackling environmental issues, particularly in light of the pressing climate crisis. Professor Ineke De Moortel FRAS FRSE, the Master of the United College, leads the oversight of this initiative.

Since its inception in 1998, the Prize has served as a beacon for environmental stewardship, disbursing over US$2.5 million in prize money to exceptional individuals and organizations worldwide. These recipients have demonstrated ingenuity and dedication in their endeavors to safeguard the environment and advance the cause of sustainability.

The St Andrews Prize for the Environment seeks out solutions that transcend conventional boundaries, embracing creativity and resourcefulness in addressing complex ecological challenges. Applicants are encouraged to propose initiatives that not only mitigate environmental degradation but also contribute to the creation of a more resilient and harmonious society.

The Prize acknowledges that the global environmental crisis demands urgent action and innovation on multiple fronts. Thus, it welcomes submissions from diverse backgrounds, including academia, grassroots organizations, businesses, and communities. By fostering collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, the Prize aims to amplify the impact of pioneering environmental initiatives and inspire others to join the movement towards a more sustainable future.

Applicants to the 2024 Prize are invited to present their projects and ideas that demonstrate tangible, scalable solutions to pressing environmental issues. Whether it’s pioneering technologies, community-driven conservation efforts, or innovative policy frameworks, the Prize recognizes and celebrates all efforts that contribute to the collective effort of safeguarding our planet for future generations.

In the spirit of global cooperation and shared responsibility, the St Andrews Prize for the Environment stands as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing the defining challenge of our time: ensuring a healthy and prosperous planet for all.

Eligibility Requirements

The St Andrews Prize invites submissions from both individuals and organizations, including community groups, actively engaged in initiatives aimed at safeguarding the environment or promoting its sustainable advancement. Emphasizing its commitment to fostering tangible solutions to environmental challenges, the Prize encourages applications from projects poised to catalyze significant progress in addressing pressing environmental issues.

Preference is given to endeavors where winning would facilitate a transformative leap forward in the conception and execution of the proposed idea. By targeting initiatives with the potential to effect substantial change, the Prize aims to amplify impact and promote innovative approaches towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.

This inclusive approach ensures that a diverse range of projects, from grassroots endeavors to large-scale initiatives, are considered, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to meaningful and lasting environmental stewardship. Through recognizing and supporting pioneering efforts, the St Andrews Prize strives to inspire global action and drive positive change towards a more sustainable future for our planet.

Eligible projects

For a project to be eligible, it must:
Be a well-established project with a documented history of achieving success. It should pertain to sustainable development or biodiversity and should align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The project should be replicable across different geographical areas and ideally capable of being scaled up in size. It must have a clearly identified requirement for financial support and possess the capacity to motivate others in its field. Additionally, it should contribute to global sustainability efforts in both the short and long term. The project should adhere to high ethical standards concerning intellectual property and its interactions with both people and the environment. Lastly, it should promote inclusivity.