MDPI 2nd Young Women in Engineering Award 2026

The 2nd Young Women in Engineering Award is an international research award organised by MDPI to recognise the achievements of young women investigators working in engineering.

The award is intended to highlight women researchers who have produced groundbreaking research and made significant contributions to the advancement of engineering. It also aims to encourage more young women to pursue research and careers in engineering.

For the second edition, MDPI has established four engineering categories: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Civil and Architectural Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. One winner will be selected in each area, giving a total of four award recipients. This is a nomination-based award rather than a self-application scholarship. Candidates must be nominated by senior scientists and supported by the required nomination documents.

Each winner receives a CHF 1,000 cash prize, an electronic certificate and a voucher covering the article processing charge for one submission to an eligible MDPI engineering journal, subject to peer review. The voucher remains valid for one year. Winners may also have an opportunity to attend a subsequent award ceremony or International Women in Engineering Day event. Travel or accommodation funding for such attendance is not specifically guaranteed by the published announcement.

• The award is designated for female candidates.
• Candidates must work in the field of engineering.
• Candidates must have received their PhD on or after 1 January 2017.
• The PhD timing requirement corresponds to receiving the doctorate within 10 years before 31 December 2026.
• Candidates must have produced groundbreaking research.
• Candidates must have made a significant contribution to the advancement of engineering.
• Candidates must be nominated by senior scientists.
• Nomination documentation must include signed nomination letters from two established senior scientists.
• The nominee should be submitted under the appropriate primary engineering area.

Each of the four winners receives:

• CHF 1,000 cash prize.
• Electronic award certificate.
• Voucher waiving the article processing charge for one submission to a journal within the field of engineering.
• APC waiver voucher valid for one year.
• Opportunity to attend the subsequent award ceremony or International Women in Engineering Day events.
• International recognition of research achievements in engineering.
• Increased visibility for the winner’s research and academic profile.

The nomination package requires:

• Detailed curriculum vitae.
• Updated publication list.
• List of the nominee’s own research grants.
• Scanned copy of the doctorate certificate.
• Signed nomination letter from an established senior scientist.
• Second signed nomination letter from another established senior scientist.
• Information requested through the online nomination form.

MDPI states that nominations will be assessed by an Award Evaluation Committee.

The published requirements indicate particular emphasis on:

• Groundbreaking engineering research.
• Significant contribution to the advancement of engineering.

One winner will be selected for each of the four engineering areas.

• Gain international recognition for engineering research.
• Receive a CHF 1,000 monetary award.
• Strengthen academic and professional visibility.
• Receive recognition from an international academic publisher.
• Obtain an APC waiver for a future engineering-journal submission.
• Highlight significant research contributions in engineering.
• Join an initiative promoting women researchers in STEM.
• Potentially participate in future award or Women in Engineering activities.