M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace

The M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace will honor Professor Swaminathan’s legacy by recognizing individuals for their outstanding contribution to enhancing food security and promoting peace. This award aims to inspire efforts towards a just and sustainable world. The award carries a USD 25000 monetary award for the selected recipient and a medal, as well as their participation in the award ceremony in India.

The period from 7 August 2024 to 7 August 2025 marks the centenary of Prof. Swaminathan’s birth, making it an ideal occasion to announce the award. Professor Swaminathan’s work emphasized the importance of integrating scientific innovation and social justice to address global challenges. 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible candidates are individual scientists or professionals under the age of 50 years, nationals of a developing country and currently living and working in any developing country for at least the last 5 years, who have demonstrated excellence and impact in food and nutrition security, food systems (including crop agriculture, fisheries, livestock, aquaculture, and other food production systems), or climate resilience for peace.

Individuals who have previously received other prestigious international awards with a monetary value equivalent to or greater than that of the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace are not eligible.

Nominations of scientists and early-to-mid-career professionals, particularly women under 50 years of age, are especially encouraged. 

Below is the list of eligible countries:

Award Criteria

The 2025 M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace will be awarded to an individual scientist from a developing country for his/her outstanding achievements carried out at institutions in developing countries, across the entire food systems chain in one or more of the following areas:

• Scientific research: Development of innovative technologies, agricultural and food systems practices, or policies that enhance food production, distribution, and access, particularly for vulnerable communities. Research addressing food and climate justice challenges within the entire food system is especially valued.
• Advocacy and policy influence: Significant contributions to shaping policies that promote equity and justice in food security, sustainable food systems, and climate resilience, with particular emphasis on gender and social justice dimensions.
• Community engagement: Demonstrated leadership in implementing programs that improve food security, promote peace, and ensure equitable access to nutritious food at the grassroots level. Special consideration for work addressing the needs of marginalized communities through participatory approaches.
• Capacity building: Effective efforts in training and educating individuals and communities in areas related to food security, sustainable food systems, climate adaptation, and peacebuilding, with emphasis on inclusive approaches that promote equity throughout the food value chain.

Priority will be given to candidates whose work demonstrates a holistic approach to food systems that connects production, distribution, and access with peace, equity, and justice outcomes in vulnerable communities.

Selection

We are no longer accepting nominations.