Stockholm Junior Water Prize

About Stockholm Junior Water Prize

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) is the world's most prestigious youth award for water-related research. Established in 1997 by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), this international competition recognizes outstanding scientific achievements by young people in the field of water and environment research.

The prize gathers imaginative young minds from all over the world, encouraging their interest in water and sustainability issues. Each year, thousands of participants in countries all over the globe join national competitions, with the winners representing their nations at the international final held during World Water Week in Stockholm.

History and Mission

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize was founded by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) in collaboration with Xylem Inc. With a vision to inspire young people's engagement with water challenges, the award has grown from a small competition to a global phenomenon attracting participants from over 40 countries.

The mission of SJWP is to:

• Encourage and support young people's interest in water and environmental issues
• Empower the next generation of water scientists
• Create a global network of young water professionals
• Highlight innovative solutions to water challenges

Eligibility

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is open to young people between the ages of 15 and 20 who have conducted water-related projects with environmental focus. Eligible participants include:

• Secondary school students
• Homeschool students within the age range
• Young scientists working independently or in small teams

Projects should be innovative, scientifically relevant, and focused on water and sustainability issues. They can encompass various aspects of water science including but not limited to water quality, water conservation, water treatment technology, and educational and awareness-raising initiatives.

Competition Categories and Judging Criteria

Judging for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize focuses on several key aspects of each project:

• Scientific excellence and methodological rigor
• Relevance and potential impact on water challenges
• Creativity and innovation
• Presentation and communication skills
• Feasibility and sustainability of the solution

Project Categories

Projects typically fall into one of the following categories:

• Water quality and monitoring
• Water treatment and purification
• Water conservation and efficiency
• Wastewater treatment and reuse
• Ecosystem and watershed management
• Water education and awareness
• Water and society (policy, economics, cultural aspects)

The Competition Process

The path to becoming a Stockholm Junior Water Prize winner begins at the national level:

1. National Competitions: Each participating country organizes national competitions, typically in partnership with local organizations, universities, or water companies.
2. National Winners: The winner from each country receives the opportunity to represent their nation at the international final in Stockholm.
3. International Final: National winners gather in Stockholm during World Water Week to present their projects to an international jury.
4. Finals Week: Participants engage in scientific activities, networking, and cultural exchanges while presenting their research to the judges.
5. Prize Ceremony: The international winner is announced during a royal ceremony in Stockholm City Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is also held.

Prizes and Recognition

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize winner receives:

• A cash prize of $15,000 USD
• A handcrafted crystal sculpture
• Global recognition and media exposure
• Networking opportunities with leading water scientists
• Invitations to international water conferences and events

The winner also receives the unique opportunity to present their project to water experts, decision-makers, and representatives from international organizations during World Water Week.

Impact and Significance

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize has far-reaching impacts on both individual participants and the broader water science community:

• Inspiring Future Leaders: Many winners go on to pursue careers in water science, environmental engineering, and related fields.
• Innovative Solutions: Projects have led to practical, implementable solutions for water challenges in communities around the world.
• Global Network: The competition creates an international community of young water scientists who collaborate and exchange ideas.
• Awareness: SJWP raises public awareness about water challenges and solutions, highlighting the importance of youth innovation.
• Educational Value: Participants develop research skills, scientific methodology, and communication abilities that benefit their academic and professional futures.

How to Get Involved

Young scientists interested in participating in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize can take the following steps:

1. Identify a Water Challenge: Find a relevant water issue in your community or globally that interests you.
2. Develop Your Project: Create an innovative approach to address the challenge, following scientific methods.
3. Contact Your National Organizer: Find out who organizes the competition in your country and inquire about application deadlines.
4. Submit Your Project: Follow application guidelines, which typically include a written report and possibly a presentation.
5. Participate in National Competition: Present your work to judges at the national level.

Learn More and Apply

Words from Previous Winners