The European Space Agency (ESA) is launching the EO Excellence Award 2026. The award recognizes early-career researchers who open new perspectives for science, industry, and the environment through creative approaches to using Earth Observation (EO) data. The goal is to promote young talent in Europe who contribute decisively to understanding our planet through data-driven research.
Application deadline December 10, prize money up to €65,000
Two awards will be presented: one to an individual and one to a team. The individual award comes with up to €35,000, and the team award comes with up to €65,000. These funds are intended to support the further development and implementation of research projects. An independent jury from the European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) of the European Science Foundation (ESF) will review the submissions. The winners will be announced in March 2026.
The application phase runs until December 10, 2025. Individuals or teams can participate, whether they nominate themselves or are proposed by mentors or supporters.
How to apply
The application process for the EO Excellence Award works as follows: researchers can nominate themselves or have a nomination initiated by third parties. After nomination, participants receive a confirmation with a link to the official nomination platform. There, they must upload the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Short bibliography
- Project description of the nominated research project
For supporters: if you want to nominate an individual or research team, you first need consent from the person or group in question. Additionally, a one-page nomination letter is required. For self-nominations, a “letter of support” from a professional colleague must also be submitted. After registering on the platform, nominees will be informed by email and can complete their submission.
Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at the ESA, commented on this.
“It is a pleasure to launch the fifth edition of the EO Excellence Award. This award celebrates the creativity, passion, and scientific excellence of young European Earth observation researchers. These scientists not only expand our understanding of the planet using European satellite data, but also shape the future of environmental engagement through innovation. We are proud to support and recognize their work.”
With the EO Excellence Award 2026, the ESA is creating a platform for the next generation of European Earth observation research. The award offers young scientists a valuable opportunity to showcase their projects and actively shape the future of data-driven Earth and environmental research.
Detailed information about the program is available at https://www.eoxcellence.com.
