Mustafa(pbuh) Prize News

The 7th Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize to be Held in August 2027

2026/08/25

MSTF Media reports:

During a press conference which coincided with the Islamic Unity Week and Iran Government Week, Ali Akbar Salehi, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Mustafa^(pbuh) Science and Technology Foundation and Head of the Scientific Committee of the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize, highlighted the significance and standing of the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize and presented a report on the measures undertaken by the Prize Secretariat.

Salehi explained that the choice of “Mustafa^(pbuh)” as the name of the Prize was inspired by one of the Holy Prophet’s^(pbuh) central missions: encouraging people to seek knowledge and pursue learning. “The Prophet considers knowledge to be what the believer has lost and must seek from the cradle to the grave.”

Salehi described knowledge as a shared human asset, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge is a human endeavor that transcends borders and geography. He added that the mission of the Mustafa^(pbuh) Science and Technology Foundation is to bring all of these ideas together.

According to Salehi, two main working groups in the Foundation are tasked with evaluating the candidates. These include the Basic and Engineering Sciences Committee headed by Mohammed Khaja Nazeeruddin, the Indian-born laureate of the Prize, and Peyman Salehi. The Life and Medical Sciences and Technology Committee is led by Mehmet Toner, also a Prize laureate, and Rasoul Dinarvand.

Regarding the shortlisted candidates for the second Rasul Medal, awarded to young scientists from across the Islamic world, he noted, “The shortlist includes 14 individuals in the Basic and Engineering Sciences category, eight in Life and Medical Sciences and Technology, and six in Computer Science. The final winner will be selected from among these candidates.”

The Young Scientists Medal is awarded to young scientists under the age of 40 who have made significant achievements in a scientific field.

The Missions of the Mustafa^(pbuh) Science and Technology Foundation

Salehi discussed the missions of the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize, among which are honoring science and scientists, and discovering scientists from the Islamic world.

The head of the Scientific Committee of the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize emphasized the fact that geographical considerations are not taken into account when selecting scientists for the Prize. The award recognizes scientists living in Islamic countries, regardless of their religious affiliation, as well as scientists residing in non-Muslim countries. The twenty-two laureates, who have so far been selected for the six Prize editions, are from Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and Malaysia.

He pointed out that building a scientific network is another important mission carried out by the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize. “The goal is for scientists to get to know each other in an atmosphere infused with synergy and scientific exchange,” he noted.

Highlighting several of the Foundation’s scientific programs, Salehi added, “Science and Technology Exchange Program (STEP), Science, Tech and Innovation Policymaking Lab, seasonal schools, and Faculty Mobility in Islamic Countries (FMIC) are among these programs.”

Other programs of the Foundation are organized under the Observatory, its science outreach platform. These include the Observatory publication, the Noor Student Competition, Science Café, SciFeast, the Observatory Podcast, scientific comic books featuring the laureates, and SciQuest. Through these initiatives, the Foundation communicates the laureates’ achievements to the public in clear and accessible language.

Another goal of the Foundation is to foster scientific self-confidence. Recognizing a scientist’s achievements can inspire thousands of young people who are looking for role models. Another key objective of the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize is to connect science with the needs of humanity by promoting and encouraging scientific endeavors that contribute to addressing human needs.

The Prize also seeks to contribute to the revival of a scientific civilization, one in which societies produce knowledge rather than merely consume it.

He described the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize as not merely a biennial competition, but as an opportunity for fostering cooperation and synergy among scientists. “We cannot isolate ourselves and expect to raise the scientific bar. Science can only grow through exchange with others. Right now, the country’s capacity for scientific production is limited.”

The Need to Invest in Quantum Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Salehi added that quantum technology and artificial intelligence are two key pillars of science and technology in the 21st century.

“If we take great strides today, we will be the modern winners by the end of the century. We need to make a serious effort and invest especially in these two areas,” He stated. “Progress in these fields requires scientific collaboration, and the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize highlights the fact that knowledge and thought know no boundaries.”

Since its establishment in 2015, the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize has held six editions, with the latest taking place in 2025, and has recognized 22 scientists to date. Among the laureates is Professor Omar Yaghi, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry last year. One Prize ceremony has been held in Isfahan, while the other five took place in Tehran.

“We welcome recommendations from countries that wish to host the Prize in their capital cities,” Salehi said.

He further announced that this fall, the busts of the three 2025 laureates will be unveiled in Pardis Science and Technology Park.

Salehi lastly mentioned that starting from now, the Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize and the Young Scientist Medal will be awarded in alternate years. The cash prize for the medal is $10,000, funded through the endowment established from the cash prizes awarded to previous Mustafa^(pbuh) Prize laureates.