Deadline: May 30, 2025
Applications are open for the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation 2025. The Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation is the prestigious global award recognizing the exceptional achievements of conservation scientists.
Named in honor of Wolfgang F. Kiessling, a visionary conservationist with over 50 years of dedicated work to save species from extinction, the prize celebrates those who embody his leadership, vision, and commitment to protecting species, habitats, and the vital role of zoos and aquariums.
Each year, the prize is awarded to a scientist making transformative contributions to conservation practice, theory, or research. Recipients are honored at an annual award ceremony, receive a grant to support their efforts, and are featured in a global media campaign to share their groundbreaking work with the world. As the threat of extinction looms over up to one million species, the Kiessling Prize shines a crucial spotlight on those who are building a more sustainable and humane future. This award serves as both recognition and inspiration for the relentless efforts needed to protect life on Earth for generations to come.
Award
- The Winner of the Kiessling Prize will travel to the designated award ceremony in the United States to participate in a presentation of their work to the world, receive the award and an unrestricted grant of US$80,000. The Winner will also take part in a major media campaign carrying news of the award and the prize-winning conservation work around the world.
- In the Prize Committee’s discretion, Finalists may be invited to travel to the designated award ceremony in the United States to be recognized for their work.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals who embody Mr. Kiessling’s exceptional leadership, vision and commitment to the field of conservation, specifically species protection and habitat protection and the critical role that zoos and aquariums play in those efforts.
- Applicants for the Kiessling Award should have made tangible, demonstrable contributions to the effort to combat the Sixth Mass Extinction which will have a long-term, meaningful impact on work to preserve the world’s ecosystems.
- The candidate’s work should be innovative, demonstrating an ability to develop creative solutions that could be implemented on an international scale.
Nomination
All applicants for the Kiessling Prize must be self-nominated; nominations by third parties will not be accepted.
Email the following materials to [email protected] by May 30, 2025.
- Application form
- A written narrative summarizing your accomplishments in conservation and why you would be a good representative of this award (750-word limit).
- Your resume, CV or professional bio.
- A short video (1-3 minutes in length) explaining why you should be selected as this year’s prize recipient.
For more information, visit Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize.
