Prizes and Awards

Background

• With the Into Change Award, the Danish Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Digital Affairs aims to acknowledge and pay tribute to European research groups that have conducted outstanding, ground-breaking research at the highest international level while also exemplifying the best practices in terms of collaboration and key scientific values.
• In 2026, a total award of DKK 8,000,000 will be presented to a research group composed of exceptional members from institution(s) across Europe, representing all scientific fields.
• The award consists of an honorary award of DKK 100,000 for each group member, as well as a research grant of approximately DKK 7.2–7.8 million (i.e. the remaining amount after the honorary awards have been deducted from the total award). The research grant may be used for a wide range of research activities within the recipients' respective fields.
• Nominations will be evaluated by the Board of Directors of Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF). Based on this evaluation, selected nominations will be assessed by an evaluation committee, which will recommend final candidates for appointment by the Danish Minister for Science, Higher Education and Digital Affairs.

Eligibility

• The Into Change Award is awarded to a group of researchers from institutions in Europe who have demonstrated outstanding, ground-breaking research with substantial or fundamental societal significance and/or impact, and who have demonstrated the values of curiosity, collaboration, responsibility, respect and openness in research at an exceptional level.
• The prize may be awarded to research groups within and across all fields of science and to both current/active and former research groups.
• Nominated research groups must comprise a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of eight (8) named members.
• All nominated members must be explicitly named in the nomination form. The majority of the group members must be affiliated with an institution in Europe. All nominated members must be actively engaged in research.
• Nominators must identify one group representative from among the members. This representative is required to hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualifications at the time of nomination. The remaining group members may – but are not required to – hold a PhD.

Assessment Criteria

• In the assessment of nominated research groups, specific criteria will be taken into consideration. The nominator must provide a justification for the nomination and explain in what ways the research group fulfils the criteria.
• Nominators are asked to address the ways in which the research group fulfils the criteria listed under all three overall assessment categories:
• The quality of the research group's exceptional research contribution to its field;
• The societal significance and/or impact of the research group's contribution; and
• The demonstration and promotion of key research values, including curiosity, collaboration, responsibility, respect and openness.

Nomination Process

• Please note that Imperial may submit only one nomination per Faculty. Therefore, an internal selection process will be used.
• Heads of Department should submit nominations (maximum one nomination per department) to Lara Breckon (l.breckon@imperial.ac.uk) before COB Friday 10 July 2026.
• Nominations will be reviewed by the Research Advisory Group (RAG), or a subset of RAG chaired by the Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise).
• Following review, the selected nomination(s) will be invited to prepare the final submission with support from the VPRE Office.
• The external deadline for submission to the Danish Ministry is 14 August 2026 at 12 noon (CET).

Nomination Materials

1. Description of the research group, its scientific contribution and the specific project, contribution or output for which it is being nominated (maximum 2,400 characters including spaces).
2. Description of the research group's exceptional and ground-breaking scientific contribution, including its impact on the field and its societal significance and/or impact (maximum 3,000 characters including spaces).
3. Statement describing how the group's work has demonstrated and promoted the values of curiosity, collaboration, responsibility, respect and openness in research (maximum 3,000 characters including spaces).
4. For each nominated member, a CV and selective list of their most significant publications (in English; maximum three A4 pages per person).
5. Letter(s) of support (in English) – up to five letters may be attached.

Please read the call guidance for full information on the Into Change Award 2026, including eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and submission materials.

About the Award

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an independent global humanitarian award that recognizes, supports, and honours individuals and organisations of all backgrounds whose work advances peaceful coexistence, human progress, and the values of human fraternity worldwide.

The award includes a monetary prize of USD $1 million and is presented annually in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in conjunction with the UN-recognised International Day of Human Fraternity on 4 February.

The award is open to any individual or organisation that demonstrates a commitment to promoting human fraternity, solidarity, fairness, peace, dialogue, and humanitarian values.

Nomination Materials

Imperial's President is an eligible nominator for this award. To enable review and completion of nominations before the external deadline, the following materials should be submitted directly to the President's Office (president@imperial.ac.uk) no later than Monday 21 September 2026:

• A draft Letter of Endorsement/Nomination (maximum 1,000 words) for signature by President Hugh Brady (please see guidance for obtaining Letters of Support)
• The nominee's current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or biography.
• Any supporting evidence or information that demonstrates the nominee's achievements, impact, and suitability for the award.

Please note that self-nominations are not permitted by the award organisers.

Evaluation Criteria

Nominations should demonstrate outstanding contributions to promoting the principles and values of human fraternity. In particular, the award assesses nominees against the following criteria:

• Contributions to the promotion of global fraternity, solidarity, fairness, and world peace.
• Positive impact on local communities, including acting as a role model and inspiring or mentoring others.
• Innovation in developing new approaches to fostering fraternity, cooperation, and collaboration.
• Recognition from international organisations, professional bodies, community groups, or other relevant stakeholders.

Nomination Process

1. Candidates or nominators submit the required nomination materials to the President's Office by Monday 21 September 2026.
2. The President's Office reviews the submission and coordinates preparation and signature of the nomination letter.
3. Following approval, the President's Office submits the nomination through the Zayed Award online portal.
4. The award organisers issue confirmation of receipt directly through the nomination system.

Further Information

Full details of the award, eligibility requirements, and nomination guidance are available from the official Zayed Award for Human Fraternity website.

Internal Deadline: Monday 21^st September 2026