A major international spotlight is now shining on one of the most impactful areas of modern research: improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities. The King Salman International Award for Disability Research 2026, backed by the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, has officially opened nominations—offering one of the world’s most prestigious disability-focused scientific prizes.
With an extraordinary USD 133,000 prize per category, this award is designed to recognize researchers, innovators, institutions, and scientific leaders whose work is transforming disability health care, education, rehabilitation, assistive technology, and universal access. For global scientists working on meaningful, life-changing solutions, this is a rare opportunity to gain international recognition and reward at the highest level.
This is not just an award—it is a global call for scientific excellence that advances inclusion, accessibility, and real-world disability progress.
What the King Salman International Award for Disability Research Offers Winners?
Winning the King Salman International Award for Disability Research is more than receiving a financial prize—it is an elite international honor celebrating research that has real impact on society. Each award category carries a powerful package of recognition and reward, making it one of the most valuable disability research prizes globally.
Successful recipients will receive:
- USD 133,000 cash prize in each award branch
- An official certificate of appreciation
- A prestigious commemorative medal honoring the winning contribution
- A formal invitation to the award ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Global visibility for scientific work that improves disability services, accessibility, and inclusion
This award is granted across five major branches, including:
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Educational and Psychological Sciences
- Rehabilitation and Social Sciences
- Technical Applications (AI, assistive technology, diagnostics)
- Universal Access and inclusive built environments
For researchers whose work is shaping disability science worldwide, this prize represents both financial support and global prestige.
Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
The King Salman International Award for Disability Research recognizes scientists, researchers, and entities whose published work has made distinguished contributions to disability-related fields. Applicants must demonstrate originality, innovation, and measurable impact.
To be eligible, nominees should:
- Have high-impact scientific production related to disability research
- Submit work that follows internationally recognized scientific standards
- Ensure the submitted research has not been awarded previously in another similar prize
- Not be a previous winner within the last five years
- Not be affiliated with the King Salman Center for Disability Research or award committees
Eligible nominations may come from:
- Disability research centers worldwide
- Universities and academic departments
- Disability-focused institutions and organizations
- Previous award winners
- Self-nomination (if regulations are met)
Apply: https://research.ucalgary.ca/opportunity/2026-king-salman-international-award-disability-research
The last date to apply for the King Salman International Award for Disability Research 2026 is March 31, 2026, at 10:00 PM, and all nominations must be submitted online before the deadline to be considered for this prestigious international disability research prize.