The $1 million Frontiers Planet Prize recognizes exceptional scientists who are working toward a greater understanding of planetary health and who are developing solutions to stay within safe operating limits.

Eligible Penn researchers must have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals between November 1, 2023 and October 31, 2025. The prize emphasizes scientific excellence and actionable solutions that help maintain the nine planetary boundaries: climate change, loss of biodiversity, biogeochemical flows, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone layer, atmospheric aerosol loading, land use change, overuse of freshwater, and novel entities. Nominations are welcomed for groundbreaking studies across all disciplines that provide original findings or insightful reviews. Scientists at any career stage are encouraged to apply by submitting their publication through the application form available in Info Ready.

Penn has been invited to nominate up to three faculty members for this opportunity. The internal selection process will be managed by the Environmental Innovations Initiative (EII) in partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research. A faculty review committee will determine the final nominees to represent the University. Please contact Xime Trujillo at EII (Environmental Innovations Initiative) at xime@upenn.edu with any questions.

The deadline for the internal submission is September 30, 2025. Read the full posting for eligibility guidelines, criteria, and detail on the Penn internal selection process.