About this opportunity
The OPEC Award for Research has been conferred since 2004 by the President of the OPEC Conference, and the 2027 call is now open. The prize recognises an individual researcher with a sustained record of high achievement in petroleum and oil related study, and it carries EUR 10,000 together with an appropriately prestigious memento. The award is presented at the 10th OPEC International Seminar, held in Vienna, Austria on 7 and 8 July 2027.
Nominations are open to candidates worldwide, and the person being proposed does not submit anything themselves. Anyone can put a name forward: an individual, a university, a research institute, a company or a professional body. That makes this a useful route for a Nigerian or African energy economist, reservoir scientist or policy researcher whose work has been cited for years but who has never been put forward for an international prize. The published criteria ask for a researcher well known in the energy industry or in academia, with a substantial publication record, a clear contribution to understanding what keeps oil markets stable, a history of building dialogue between producers and consumers, and a record of encouraging younger researchers in OPEC Member Countries and the developing world. Objectivity and integrity in public debate are named as requirements in their own right.
To enter a candidate, complete the official nomination form and attach a 500 word biography, a portrait photograph of the nominee and a list of their publications. The full package goes by email to researchawards@opec.org, or by post to the Chairman of the Advisory Panel for the OPEC Research Awards at Helferstorferstrasse 17, A 1010 Vienna, Austria. The Secretariat states plainly that only nominations received by 30 November 2026 will be considered, so the paperwork and the supporting attachments should be sent together and early.
A panel of industry professionals drawn from inside and outside the OPEC Secretariat chooses the winner. The prize is announced and presented at the Vienna seminar in July 2027.
What you receive
- EUR 10,000 monetary prize plus an appropriately prestigious memento
- Presentation of the award at the 10th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, Austria
- International recognition of a sustained research record in petroleum and oil related fields
- Visibility with the OPEC Secretariat, its Advisory Panel and the seminar audience of producers and consumers
- No entry fee, and nominations may be submitted by email from anywhere
Who can apply
- The nominee must be an individual researcher, well known in the energy industry and/or academia
- A record of consistently high achievement over many years, including a substantial list of publications
- Dedication to research and analysis of important oil related issues
- A contribution to improved understanding of the key determinants that support oil market stability
- A role in enhancing dialogue between producers and consumers
- A demonstrated high level of objectivity and integrity, and a critical yet impartial view of oil related issues in public debate
- Work that has furthered knowledge of the oil industry by encouraging and promoting young researchers within OPEC Member Countries and the developing world
- Innovative thinking demonstrated throughout the career
- The nomination may be submitted by any individual, institution or organization, anywhere in the world, on the candidate’s behalf
Who should not apply
- Nominations received after 30 November 2026 are not considered
- This is a nomination award for an individual researcher, not an application route for a project, a team or an organization
- OPEC staff and those directly involved in administering the prize are not eligible for nomination
Documents to prepare
- The completed official OPEC nomination form
- A 500 word biography of the nominee
- A portrait photograph of the nominee
- A list of the nominee’s publications
How to apply
- Download and complete the nomination form at https://www.opec.org/assets/assetdb/call-for-nominations-award-for-research-2027.pdf, which also carries the full call for nominations.
- Prepare a 500 word biography of the candidate, a portrait photograph and a list of their publications.
- Send the completed form and all attachments by email to researchawards@opec.org, or by post to the Chairman, Advisory Panel for the OPEC Research Awards, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Helferstorferstrasse 17, A 1010 Vienna, Austria.
- Make sure the full package reaches OPEC on or before 30 November 2026. Late nominations are not considered.
- Note that the award is presented at the 10th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna on 7 and 8 July 2027.
Selection process
- A panel of industry professionals drawn from both within and outside the OPEC Secretariat reviews the nominations
- The panel selects the recipient of the Award for Research
- The winner is announced and honoured at the 10th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna on 7 and 8 July 2027
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- The Branco Weiss Fellowship 2027, Society in Science (Up to CHF 600,000 for Five Years)
The Branco Weiss Fellowship funds five years of independent research for early-career scientists whose projects deliberately step outside the mainstream of their discipline. A fellowship carries up to CHF 600,000, usable across salary, equipment, travel, consumables and personnel, and applications for the 2027 intake close on 15 January 2027 at 5 p.m. CET.
Questions applicants ask
Can a Nigerian or other African researcher be nominated?
Yes. The call is open to researchers worldwide and the criteria specifically value work that has encouraged young researchers within OPEC Member Countries and the developing world. Nigeria is an OPEC Member Country.
Can a researcher nominate themselves?
The call invites individuals, institutions and organizations to nominate outstanding candidates, so the usual route is a third party putting the researcher forward on their behalf.
What does the winner receive?
EUR 10,000 and an appropriately prestigious memento, presented at the 10th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna on 7 and 8 July 2027.
When is the closing date?
Only nominations received by 30 November 2026 will be considered, according to the published call for nominations.
Important disclaimer
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