Award Comparison

Anthropology 1900~

Huxley Memorial Medal and Lecture

Created in 1900 to commemorate Thomas Henry Huxley, the Huxley Memorial Medal and Lecture is awarded annually by the Royal Anthropological Institute to researchers who have made distinguished contributions to anthropological research, providing a commemorative medal and the opportunity to deliver a memorial lecture.

123 Laureates

Country

United Kingdom

Presented By

Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland

Prize

A commemorative medal and the opportunity to deliver a memorial lecture

First Award

1900

Latest Award

2025

Announced

Annually in November

History

In May 1896, the Royal Anthropological Institute convened a Huxley Memorial Lecture Committee to plan a lecture series in honour of Thomas Henry Huxley. The award and associated lecture were officially established in 1900, with the first lecture delivered by Lord Avebury on 13 November 1900. It continued annually thereafter, except from 1917 to 1919 when lectures were suspended due to World War I. In 1984, Junichiro Itani became the first Japanese recipient for his work on the evolution of primate social structures. In the 21st century, the medal and lecture remain among the most prestigious honours in anthropology and are granted to scholars worldwide.

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Architecture 1979~

Pritzker Architecture Prize

The Pritzker Architecture Prize is an international award presented annually by the Hyatt Foundation to living architects whose built work demonstrates talent, vision, and commitment to significant contributions in the art of architecture.

50 Laureates

Country

United States

Presented By

Hyatt Foundation

Prize

US$100,000, a citation certificate, and a bronze medallion

First Award

1979

Latest Award

2025

History

Established in 1979, the prize’s inaugural laureate was Philip Johnson. Originally, recipients received a limited edition Henry Moore sculpture until 1987, when the bronze medallion design based on Louis Sullivan’s work was introduced. On its 10th anniversary in 1988, two architects, Gordon Bunshaft and Oscar Niemeyer, were honored separately. Award ceremonies have since been held at prominent cultural venues around the world. In recent years, online ceremonies and joint awards have become more common.

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Arts, humanities, social sciences, law and theology 2004~

Holberg Prize

The Holberg Prize is an international academic award named after Ludvig Holberg, awarded annually by the Government of Norway to scholars for outstanding contributions to research in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, and theology.

22 Laureates

Country

Norway

Presented By

Government of Norway

Prize

Monetary award of 6 million Norwegian kroner intended to support the recipient's research

First Award

2004

Latest Award

2025

Announced

March each year

History

In 2003, the Parliament of Norway established the Holberg Prize in honor of Ludvig Holberg. The first award ceremony was held in 2004 at the University Aula in Bergen, with Julia Kristeva as the inaugural laureate. Since then, it has been awarded annually across its five disciplines: the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, and theology. The selection process involves nominations from academic institutions, shortlisting by the Holberg Committee, and final approval by the government. The award ceremony takes place each June at the University of Bergen, accompanied by the Holberg Week featuring lectures and symposiums.

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Computer Science 1966~

ACM A. M. Turing Award

The ACM A. M. Turing Award is an annual prize given by the Association for Computing Machinery to individuals for lasting and major technical contributions to computer science, widely regarded as the highest distinction in computing.

79 Laureates

Country

United States

Presented By

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Prize

US$1,000,000 cash prize

First Award

1966

Latest Award

2024

Announced

Announced annually in March

History

The award was first presented in 1966 to Alan Perlis. Named in honor of Alan Turing to commemorate his foundational contributions, it quickly became the highest honor in computer science. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, laureates such as Marvin Minsky and Donald Knuth cemented the award’s prestige. In 2007, Intel and Google provided an additional US$250,000, and since 2014 Google has funded the full US$1 million prize. Recipients deliver the Turing Lecture at an ACM event, and their lectures are published in Communications of the ACM. The selection process is managed annually by an ACM-appointed committee.

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Education 2015~

Global Teacher Prize

The Global Teacher Prize is an annual $1 million award by the Varkey Foundation given to a teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.

9 Laureates

Country

United Kingdom

Presented By

Varkey Foundation

Prize

Prize money of $1 million

First Award

2015

Latest Award

2025

Announced

March each year

History

The Global Teacher Prize was announced in March 2014 at the second Global Education and Skills Forum. The first prize was awarded in March 2015 to Nancie Atwell, an English teacher from Maine, USA. The inaugural award attracted over 5,000 nominations from 127 countries. Since then, educators from Palestine, Canada, the UK, Kenya, India, and Pakistan have received the prize. In 2018, a Portugal edition offering €30,000 was introduced. The award ceremony is held in London each March.

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Engineering 1989~

Charles Stark Draper Prize

The Charles Stark Draper Prize is awarded biennially by the U.S. National Academy of Engineering for outstanding contributions to the advancement of engineering and public education about engineering. It is considered one of the highest honors in engineering and carries a US$500,000 prize.

61 Laureates

Country

United States

Presented By

National Academy of Engineering

Prize

US$500,000 cash prize

First Award

1989

Latest Award

2024

Announced

Biennial

History

The prize was first awarded in 1989 to Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce. Initially presented biennially, it continued on a two-year cycle through the early 1990s. From 2002 to 2009 it was awarded annually, with no prize given in 2010. It resumed annual awards from 2011 to 2015, then shifted to a biennial schedule from 2016 onward. No awards were made in 2017, 2019, or 2021. The most recent Laureate was Stuart Parkin in 2024.

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Engineering 2013~

Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering

The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering is a global prize established in 2012 to recognize engineers whose ground-breaking innovations have benefitted humanity, awarding £500,000 and a 3D printed trophy.

33 Laureates

Country

United Kingdom

Presented By

The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation

Prize

£500,000 and a 3D printed trophy

First Award

2013

Latest Award

2025

Announced

Early February each year

History

In 2011, a cross-party group proposed the prize to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation was established in 2012, and the inaugural award was presented in March 2013 to the inventors of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Subsequent biennial prizes in 2015, 2017 and 2019 honoured advances in drug delivery systems, digital imaging sensors and GPS technology respectively. From 2022 the prize moved to an annual cycle. The foundation has been funded since its inception by donations from multinational companies.

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Environmental protection 1990~

Goldman Environmental Prize

The Goldman Environmental Prize is an international award presented annually by the Goldman Environmental Foundation to grassroots environmental activists, selecting one honoree from each of six continental regions.

217 Laureates

Country

United States

Presented By

Goldman Environmental Foundation

Prize

USD 125,000 cash prize

First Award

1990

Latest Award

2025

Announced

Late April each year

History

In 1989, Richard and Rhoda Goldman established the Goldman Environmental Prize in San Francisco, USA. The first awards were presented in 1990, and the prize has been awarded annually ever since. It uniquely honors grassroots environmental activists, selecting one recipient from each of six global regions. Laureates receive a cash prize of USD 125,000 and are invited to a tour and award ceremonies in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The ceremonies feature short documentary films and have earned the nickname “Green Nobel.” In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ceremonies were held online from 2020 to 2022, with live events resuming in 2023.

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Geography 1991~

Vautrin Lud Prize

The Vautrin Lud Prize is the highest international award in geography, presented annually at the International Geography Festival in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France, to geographers selected by an independent five-person jury.

33 Laureates

Country

France

Presented By

An independent five-person international jury

First Award

1991

Latest Award

2022

Announced

Each autumn

History

The prize was established in 1991, modeled after the Nobel Prizes. The first award was presented to Peter Haggett in the same year. It bears the name of Vautrin Lud, the 16th-century scholar who first applied the name "America" to the new continent. The award ceremony has become an annual tradition each autumn at the International Geography Festival in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France. Candidates are evaluated and selected by an independent five-member international jury. Over the years, geographers from around the globe have been honored, and the prize is widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the field.

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Geology 1960~

Vetlesen Prize

The Vetlesen Prize is regarded as the highest distinction in geology, awarded jointly by Columbia University's Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory and the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation.

33 Laureates

Country

United States

Presented By

Columbia University's Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory and the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation

First Award

1960

Latest Award

2023

History

G. Unger Vetlesen established the foundation bearing his name shortly before his death in 1955. In 1959, the foundation created the prize to recognize outstanding research in the field of geology. The first award was presented to W. Maurice Ewing in 1960. Since then, the prize has been awarded approximately every two years whenever the jury identifies deserving candidates. In addition to the prize, the foundation supports institutions of excellence in Earth sciences.

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Mathematics 2003~

Abel Prize

The Abel Prize is an international award established in 2003 by the Government of Norway to recognize outstanding achievement in mathematics.

28 Laureates

Country

Norway

Presented By

Government of Norway

Prize

Gold medal, diploma, and cash prize (Norwegian kroner)

First Award

2003

Latest Award

2025

Announced

Every March

History

The prize was first proposed in 1899 by Sophus Lie after it was discovered that Nobel Prizes would not include mathematics. In 1902, King Oscar II offered to finance the prize, but the dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway in 1905 halted the plan. In 2001, the Government of Norway formally established the Abel Prize. An honorary prize was awarded to Atle Selberg in 2002, and the first official prize was awarded to Jean-Pierre Serre in 2003. A book series on laureates and their research began in 2010. Karen Uhlenbeck became the first female laureate in 2019, and in 2025 Masaki Kashiwara became the first Japanese recipient.

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Mathematics 1936~

Fields Medal

The Fields Medal is an international award presented by the International Mathematical Union every four years at the International Congress of Mathematicians to mathematicians under 40 for outstanding contributions to mathematics.

65 Laureates

Presented By

International Mathematical Union

Prize

A medal and a cash prize (CA$15,000)

First Award

1936

Latest Award

2022

Announced

Every four years

History

The first Fields Medals were awarded in 1936 in Oslo, following the initiative of John Charles Fields. Awards planned for 1940 and 1944 were canceled due to World War II and resumed in 1950 in Cambridge. The International Mathematical Union has administered the medal at each International Congress of Mathematicians every four years. Candidates are nominated by the mathematical community and must be under 40 at the time of the award. Since 1966, two to four medals have been awarded at each Congress. In 2014, Maryam Mirzakhani became the first female recipient, and in 2006 Grigori Perelman declined his award. John Fields himself designed the medal, which has become a symbol of excellence in mathematics.

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Meteorology 1956~

International Meteorological Organization Prize

An international scientific award presented annually by the World Meteorological Organization for outstanding contributions in meteorology and operational hydrology.

71 Laureates

Presented By

World Meteorological Organization

Prize

A 57 mm 14-carat gold medal and a cash award of 10,000 Swiss Francs

First Award

1956

Latest Award

2023

History

The prize was created in 1956 and first awarded to Hans Theodor Hesselberg that same year. From 1963 onward, it has been presented annually. In 1971, operational hydrology was formally added as an award category. Presentations typically occur during WMO assemblies or related conferences. Over the decades, the IMO Prize has played a key role in promoting international advances in meteorological science and hydrology.

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Music 1974~

Ernst von Siemens Music Prize

The Ernst von Siemens Music Prize is an international music award established in 1974 to promote contemporary music and is presented to composers, performers, or musicologists who have made distinguished contributions to the field.

139 Laureates

Country

Germany

Presented By

Bayerische Akademie der Schönen Künste and Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation

Prize

The main prize is endowed with €250,000

First Award

1974

Latest Award

2025

History

The music foundation was established by industrialist Ernst von Siemens in 1972 and endowed to promote contemporary classical music. The first main prize was awarded in 1974 to British composer Benjamin Britten. Since then, the award has honored leading figures in composition, performance, and musicology from around the world. The main prize carries an endowment of €250,000 and is considered among the most prestigious awards in music. In addition to the main prize, the foundation introduced composer prizes and grant-in-aid projects to support emerging composers and music initiatives.

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Music 1992~

Polar Music Prize

The Polar Music Prize is an international music award founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson with a donation to the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. It is awarded annually to one contemporary and one classical musician regardless of nationality.

66 Laureates

Country

Sweden

Presented By

Stig Anderson Music Award Foundation

Prize

1 million Swedish krona

First Award

1992

Latest Award

2024

Announced

June each year

History

In 1989, Stig Anderson donated to the Royal Swedish Academy of Music to establish the prize foundation. The first awards were presented in 1992 to Paul McCartney and the Baltic States. Since then, ceremonies have been held every June at the Stockholm Concert Hall. In 2001, three laureates were honored, and in 2003 only one musician received the prize. The selection committee consists of Anderson family members and representatives from SKAP and the Swedish Performing Rights Society. Prize money is funded by the endowment’s returns and sponsorships. In 2018, the foundation reported financial challenges.

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Philosophy 2016~

Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture

The Berggruen Prize is an annual US$1-million award presented by the Berggruen Institute to thinkers whose ideas have broad significance for shaping human self-understanding and advancing humanity. It was established in 2016.

8 Laureates

Country

United States

Presented By

Berggruen Institute

Prize

US$1,000,000

First Award

2016

Latest Award

2023

Announced

October each year

History

In 2016, investor Nicolas Berggruen founded the Berggruen Institute and launched the Berggruen Prize. The inaugural award was presented to Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor. Aiming to become a 'Nobel Prize for philosophy', the prize ceremonies were held annually at the New York Public Library Main Branch. In 2022, Japanese philosopher Kojin Karatani became the first Asian recipient, with the 2023 ceremony taking place in Tokyo. The 2024 award ceremony was held at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

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Political Science 1995~

Johan Skytte Prize in Political Science

The Johan Skytte Prize in Political Science is an international academic award established in 1995 by the Johan Skytte Foundation at Uppsala University in Sweden. It is awarded annually to scholars who have made the most remarkable achievements in the field of political science, with a cash prize of 500,000 Swedish kronor.

30 Laureates

Country

Sweden

Presented By

Johan Skytte Foundation at Uppsala University

Prize

500,000 Swedish kronor cash prize

First Award

1995

Latest Award

2024

History

In 1622, Johan Skytte donated funds to Uppsala University to establish the Skyttean Professorship of Eloquence and Government. Building on this legacy, the Johan Skytte Foundation established the Johan Skytte Prize in Political Science in 1995. The first award was presented to Robert A. Dahl that year, and ceremonies have been held annually since. Early on, the prize earned international acclaim and the nickname “the Nobel Prize for Political Science.” To date, more than thirty scholars have been honored.

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Social service 1958~

Ramon Magsaysay Award

The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1957 in memory of Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, is an annual award recognizing individuals and organizations in Asia for outstanding contributions to society in areas such as government service, community leadership, journalism, literature and peace.

318 Laureates

Country

Philippines

Presented By

Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation

Prize

A medallion and a cash prize

First Award

1958

Latest Award

2024

Announced

Annually on August 31

History

In May 1957, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund in New York provided seed funding and, with the concurrence of the Philippine government, established the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation. The first awards were presented in 1958 in Manila and the ceremony has been held annually on August 31, Magsaysay’s birthday. Originally organized into five categories, the foundation introduced the Emergent Leadership award in 2001. In 2009, the foundation discontinued the five fixed categories, adopting an uncategorized format except for the Emergent Leadership award. The board of trustees, composed primarily of Filipino citizens, oversees a confidential selection process. To date, the award continues to honor individuals and organizations across Asia for their outstanding service to society.

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Various fields 1991~

Ig Nobel Prize

The Ig Nobel Prizes are parody awards given annually for achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think.

658 Laureates

Country

United States

Presented By

Annals of Improbable Research

Prize

A novelty medal shaped like a frying pan that rattles when shaken, a certificate, and a Cambridge parking pass valid from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. on the day after Christmas.

First Award

1991

Latest Award

2024

Announced

Mid-September each year

History

The Ig Nobel Prizes were established in 1991 by editor Marc Abrahams of the Annals of Improbable Research. The inaugural ceremony took place at Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre. From the outset, awards have been given for real research with a humorous twist. Ceremonies feature traditions such as launching paper airplanes and limiting speeches to 30 seconds. Over the years, the prizes have gained international attention, and Nobel laureates sometimes serve as presenters. Nominations are accepted from anywhere in the world and evaluated by a selection committee.

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Various fields 1981~

Marcus Wallenberg Prize

The Marcus Wallenberg Prize is a Swedish award named after industrialist Marcus Wallenberg Jr., given annually to researchers who have made outstanding contributions in forestry.

72 Laureates

Country

Sweden

Presented By

Selection Committee of international eminent forestry researchers

Prize

2 million Swedish kronor

First Award

1981

Latest Award

2025

Announced

Autumn each year

History

The prize was established at the 1980 annual meeting of Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags AB. The first award was presented in 1981 to Harry H. Holton. Since then, it has been awarded annually to researchers in the field of forestry. The award ceremony is traditionally held as part of a symposium in Stockholm. The prize is named after Marcus Wallenberg Jr., who served as managing director and chairman of major Swedish banks. Nominations are solicited from research institutions worldwide and reviewed by an international committee. In 2020, the award ceremony was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Various fields 1980~

Right Livelihood Award

The Right Livelihood Award is an international award that honors and supports individuals and organizations offering practical and exemplary solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges.

233 Laureates

Country

Sweden

Presented By

Right Livelihood

Prize

Cash prize of €200,000 shared among the laureates

First Award

1980

Latest Award

2018

Announced

Early December each year

History

In 1979, Jakob von Uexküll attempted to persuade the Nobel Foundation to create new prizes in areas such as environmental protection and human rights, but was rejected and went on to establish the award in 1980. Initial funding came from the sale of his stamp collection. The first awards were presented that same year and have been held annually since. From 1985 the ceremony has taken place in the old Parliament building in Stockholm. The award is financed by donations and governed by a board of five regular members who invite an international jury.

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Various fields 1973~

Templeton Prize

The Templeton Prize is an international award founded by Sir John Templeton in 1972, granted annually to individuals whose achievements advance his philanthropic vision by exploring the deepest questions of the universe and affirming life's spiritual dimension. Administered by the John Templeton Foundation, the prize's monetary value is adjusted to exceed that of the Nobel Prizes.

54 Laureates

Country

United States

Presented By

John Templeton Foundation

Prize

Monetary award of £1.1 million (2019)

First Award

1973

Latest Award

2024

History

The Templeton Prize was inaugurated in 1972 by Sir John Templeton under the original title 'Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion'. In 1987, the John Templeton Foundation took over administration, joined by the Templeton Religion Trust and the Templeton World Charity Foundation as co-funders. From 2002 to 2008, it was known as the 'Templeton Prize for Progress Toward Research or Discoveries about Spiritual Realities'. The inaugural award was presented to Mother Teresa in 1973, and subsequent laureates have included the 14th Dalai Lama and Francis Collins. The prize money is reviewed annually to exceed the Nobel Prizes, reaching £1.1 million in 2019. Award ceremonies have frequently been held at Buckingham Palace, with members of the British royal family taking part.

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