The Anthropocene Award

Last modified: 26. November 2025

Honoring research that drives real-world, positive impact in the Anthropocene. Hosted by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), presented in Gödöllő, Hungary on the 12th of March 2026.

About the Award

The Anthropocene Award recognizes academics whose work has achieved outstanding impact beyond academia, taking its name from the Anthropocene—the era shaped by human activity, where environmental and social systems are deeply interconnected. The Award highlights contributions that advance both climate resilience and human wellbeing in response to these global challenges. Laureates take the main stage to deliver an Anthropocene Lecture, and engage with students, researchers, and industry partners. 

Award Categories

Lifetime Academic Achievement

Honoring a world-leading researcher  for outstanding and sustained professional achievement that has an impact on the entire scientific field and for a significant contribution to the development of the scientific community.

Emerging Academic (under 40 years old)

Recognizing an outstanding early- or mid-career researcher whose work stands out among their peers, and whose future scientific work is expected to play an important role in their field, based on their early, promising professional contributions.

Inspiring Educator

Celebrating a researcher who inspires the University's student community with their outstanding scientific communication, enthusiasm and dedication, thereby making teaching and research careers more attractive. The winner is chosen by MATE’s student community.

What We Are Looking For

  • Excellence: internationally credible research quality 
  • Innovation: new approaches, methods, or solutions 
  • Impact: outcomes beyond academia (policy/industry uptake, practice change, public benefit), with a focus on both climate resilience and human wellbeing 
  • Education & inspiration (for the "Inspiring Educator" category): science communication, mentoring, student engagement 

About the Host

The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) is one of Central Europe’s leading institutions in agriculture and life sciences. With more than 11,000 students and a diverse research portfolio, MATE plays a key role in driving sustainability and innovation in the region’s agri-food systems and rural development. Guided by its long-term strategy, MATE2030, the University is committed to advancing the green transition in Hungary and beyond. This ambition is realized through flagship initiatives built around the central theme of resilience—from agriculture and technological innovation to ecological systems and social resilience. Through its initiatives, MATE seeks to connect science, practice, and education, while building a foundation for long-term international collaboration. 

Details & FAQ

Eligibility

  • Affiliation with a higher education institution 
  • Past Anthropocene Award laureates are not eligible to receive the award again 
  • Previously nominated (but non-winning) candidates may be nominated again with a new submission 

Nominators

  • Representatives of HEIs, research organizations, NGOs, public agencies, private entities, as well as individual nominators (multiple nominations allowed) 
  • Self-nominations are not accepted 
  • All nominations are handled confidentially 

Timeline

  • Call opens: 10th of November, 2025
  • Deadline: 3rd of December, 2025, 12:00 CET
  • Public announcement: February 2026 
  • Ceremony & Lectures: 12th of March, 2026, MATE, Gödöllő 

(Dates are indicative and will be confirmed on this page.) 

How to Nominate

Submit via the online form: Nomination Form, including the following details: 

  • Nominee’s information 
  • Statements: 
    • Key achievements & contributions (≤ 300 words) 
    • Impact beyond academia (≤ 300 words) 
    • Why the nominee stands out (≤ 200 words) 
  • Supporting links (profile, key publications, talks) 
  • Nominator’s information 
  • Working language: English 
     

FAQs

  • Can one organization submit multiple nominations? Yes. 
  • Are self-nominations allowed? No.  
  • Is the process confidential? Yes, nominators’ identities are not disclosed. 
  • Will travel be supported? Yes; details are shared directly with laureates. 

Contact

Do you have any questions? For more information about the Award or the nomination process, please contact us here:

boros.gergely@uni-mate.hu