The Mustafa Prize Foundation announced on Tuesday its program lineup for the seventh edition of the prize, scheduled to take place in August 2026 in Tehran. Established in 2012, the Mustafa Prize is a biennial award recognizing outstanding scientific achievements in the Islamic world. It honors researchers and scientists who have made significant contributions in three categories: Life and Medical Science and Technology, Information and Communication Science and Technology, and Basic and Engineering Sciences.
The award targets scientists whose work has either advanced human well-being, introduced groundbreaking innovations, or developed new scientific methodologies. Notably, the prize includes both Muslim and non-Muslim researchers residing in Islamic countries, as well as Muslim scientists working in non-Islamic countries. Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the prize’s scientific working group, explained that this broad definition aims to spotlight talented scientists who may not be widely recognized within the Islamic scientific community, thereby enhancing their visibility on the global scientific stage.
Since its inception, the Mustafa Prize has been awarded to 22 researchers from countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Turkey, and Singapore. Salehi emphasized that geography should not limit recognition, underscoring the prize’s commitment to embracing scientific excellence regardless of location.
Beyond honoring laureates, the foundation is focused on fostering connectivity among scientists across the Islamic world. A key objective is to establish a robust scientific network that facilitates collaboration, information exchange, and increased visibility for researchers. To this end, the foundation supports several initiatives. One such program is the Science and Technology Exchange Program (STEP), which includes the STEPOL component aimed at shaping science and innovation policies.
The foundation also organizes Seasonal Schools throughout the year, concentrating on specialized scientific topics and inviting experts and learners. Another program, Faculty Mobility in Islamic Countries (FAMIC), promotes the exchange of university faculty members within the Islamic world. In 2024, despite various challenges, two of 42 applicants were selected for an exchange program at a Pakistani university.
Additionally, the Young Scientists Fellowship Program (YSFP) provides scholarships and financial support to emerging scientists from Islamic countries, enabling them to train at leading research centers. The foundation operates a scientific observatory that tracks major global scientific trends and developments, producing specialized reports and publications.
The most recent winners, announced in 2024 during the sixth edition of the prize, include Mehmet Toner, professor of biomedical engineering at Harvard University from Turkey; Vahab Mirrokni, adjunct associate professor at New York University’s Courant Institute from Iran; and Mohammad K. Nazeeruddin, professor of chemistry at EPFL and Sion Campus from India. The seventh edition is expected to continue recognizing scientific achievements that advance knowledge and improve lives throughout the Islamic world and beyond.