Focusing on identifying and introducing scientists of eminence in the realm of science and technology, the Mustafa (PBUH) Science and Technology Foundation (MSTF), was founded in 2012. It was subsequently recognized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) in 2015. The basic idea of establishing this Foundation emerged in the scientific community of the Islamic Republic of Iran where the lack of a prestigious academic award in the Islamic countries (which constitute a major part of the South) was keenly felt. Initially, the MSTF’s activities were primarily focused on bestowing this particular award, however, in subsequent years the Foundation’s objectives have been expanded to target those actively involved in developmental activities utilizing scientific knowledge and expertise. The Foundation has organized and implemented its subsequent activities with the active participation of relevant institutions of many Islamic countries.

Laying emphasis on the development of science and technology throughout the world by adopting a non-profit approach and maintaining full independence, the Mustafa (PBUH) Science and Technology Foundation (MSTF) has sought to celebrate the scientists of the Islamic world and appreciate their endeavors and, at the same time, train future scientists. Through concerted efforts, the Foundation develops cooperation, synergy, and convergence in the realm of modern science and new technologies among Islamic nations and others, and also puts effort into portraying distinguished figures in science and technology as role models.

The Foundation is committed to improving general welfare worldwide by helping people to benefit from values such as human dignity and stewardship, supporting the development of science and technology, education, uncovering the truth, and shouldering social responsibilities. The MSTF identifies the fulfillment of this momentous task with the development of interconnected circles of society. It is committed to the improvement of the welfare, security, and health of society in “the breathing cycle of science and technology” taking the form of “the path of life in science and technology”. Hence, as it seeks to raise the scientific and technological status of the world’s scientists, and build a common scientific consensus on technological dynamism, benefiting human society through scientific accomplishments, and increasing the influence of scientists in international scientific interactions; the Foundation will endeavor to extend its promotional and supportive activities in 6 different areas:

1. Promoting public awareness in science and technology

2. Improving the educational and research atmosphere for students

3. Encouraging the scientific community to utilize scientific findings to solve social issues

4. Supporting the establishment of scientific networks throughout the world

5. Identifying distinguished scientists and benefiting from their potential to enhance the well-being of humanity

6. Developing scientific and technological cooperation with scientific centers at the international level

The Mustafa (PBUH) Prize was created in the year 2015 to address some of these challenges. The MSTF biennially awards the prize to the top researchers and scientists in the Islamic world and its diaspora in areas of science and technology such as Life and Medical Science and Technology, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Information and Communication Science and Technology, and all other areas of science and technology. Nominees for the Mustafa (PBUH) Prize are scholars of the Islamic world who are either citizens of member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) or their diaspora all over the world. Key projects are assessed in specialized scientific groups under the Mustafa (PBUH) Prize scientific committee, and shortlisted projects are finally examined by high-profile international juries. The Foundation tries to help scientists overcome obstacles in the path of scientific and technological progress by supporting scientific events, forming scientific cooperation, and awarding grants to researchers and scholars.

2023 witnessed the fifth round of MSTF Prize; the prize that is awarded to scholars who have produced useful knowledge in various fields. Being on the edge of knowledge, good reputation, innovativeness, mastery of skills, etc. are among the indicators that are considered in choosing the winners.

The Winners of the Fifth Round of Mustafa (PBUH) Prize

Ahmed E. Hassan, an Egyptian scientist from Queen’s University in Canada, was selected in the field of information and communication technology in the Mustafa (PBUH) Prize competition with the research topic “Exploring Software Repositories (MSR)”. Omid C. Farokhzad, an Iranian professor at Harvard University, was able to receive the Mostafa (PBUH) Award in the field of biological and medical science and technology with his research on “design, development and clinical evaluation of new drugs based on polymer nanoparticles”. And medicine, Samia K. Khoury, who is a professor at the University of Beirut, was another winner of this award with her research on “New Approaches in MS”. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, a professor at the Malaysian University of Science and Technology, won the Mustafa (PBUH) award in the field of basic sciences and engineering for his work on “Development of Membrane Technology Applications” and Murat Uysal from New York University in Abu Dhabi for his work on “Optical Wireless Communications” » Won an award in the field of information technology.

How to Participate in the Mustafa Prize?

Mustafa Prize is awarded to Muslim scientists all around the world in the following categories:

- Information and Communication Science and Technology

- Life and Medical Science and Technology

- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

- Basic and Engineering Sciences

The nominees can only be nominated by one of the following scientific institutions and renowned scientists. - Accredited scientific centers and universities - Science and technology associations and centers of excellence - Academies of the science of Islamic countries - Science and technology Parks. There are two primary criteria for nomination; the scientific institutions that nominate researchers for the Mustafa (PBUH) Prize are responsible for evaluating the works and the candidate’s personal and scientific biography, and after ensuring the eligibility of the person, the information is sent to the secretariat.

For more information, visit https://mustafaprize.org