/ Medals and awards

Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize

The Rising Star Africa Prize is awarded to early-career research scientists based in Africa who are making an innovative contribution to the physical, mathematical and engineering sciences.

The award

The Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize is to recognise early-career research scientists based in Africa who are making an innovative contribution to the physical, mathematical and engineering sciences. The prize was established in memory of Paul O’Brien FRS and his work encouraging excellence in science and education in Africa. Winners will receive a grant of £14,000 to support their research and a personal gift of £1,000.

Nominations are currently closed 

The Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize will be paused for this year’s nomination cycle (2026). New nominations will not be accepted at this time. 

Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize Lecture

The Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize Lecture by Professor James Okwe Chibueze will take place on Wednesday 4 March 2026. To attend this lecture either in person or online, please sign up via Eventbrite.

2025 winner

  • Professor James Okwe Chibueze

    Professor James Okwe Chibueze

    The Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize is awarded to Professor James Okwe Chibueze for work on advancing African astronomy through pioneering research, capacity building, and international collaborations. Professor James Okwe Chibueze would like to thank Mrs Ogochukwu U. Chibueze, Professor Puleng LenkaBula and Mr Frankline N. Ononiwu for their contributions to this work.

Past winners

  • Dr Wade F Petersen
    Awarded in 2023

    Dr Wade Petersen

    For his research into new methods for the construction of molecules relevant to drug discovery using visible light as a source of energy.
  • Khalil Tamersit
    Awarded in 2022

    Dr Khalil Tamersit

    For his work on high-performance nanoelectronic devices, and his innovative research proposal.
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    Awarded in 2021

    Dr Nowsheen Goonoo

    For her work on the fabrication, characterisation and application of biominerals, and her innovative research proposal.