The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) is pleased to announce the establishment of five annual Prizes for Leadership in Science and Public Life. The Prizes are being funded by the Templeton Foundation. The goal is to recognize and encourage young scholar-leaders in science who are willing to explore the connection with Islamic thought; the late Abdus Salam would be the ideal reach. Each Prize carries a cash award of US$20,000. Prospective candidates should have a doctorate degree and be younger than 45 years old at the time of the award. Applications should be submitted in English within the following five prize categories:

-- Abdus Salam Prize for Leadership in Islamic Thought and the Physical Sciences

-- Ahmed Zewail Prize for Leadership in Islamic Thought and Biological Science

-- Ahmed Zewail Prize for Leadership in Islamic Thought and Chemical Sciences

-- ICTP Prize (two in number) for Leadership in Islamic Thought and Applied Sciences (Medicine, Agriculture, Engineering, Technology)

All applicants will be required to write an essay, less than 5,000 words in length, describing how their proposed work has served to advance constructive interactions between Islamic thought and the culture and institutions of modern science and technology. The evaluation of applications will focus on past excellence and future promise to advance: (1) scholarly writing for their peer communities in science, and (2) writings for a wide public audience (as, for example, newspaper editorials). Applicants are encouraged to submit samples of published work, in both their field and articles published for general audiences. All candidates should arrange for two letters of support from persons who can speak authoritatively on their abilities. Nominations with adequate detail are also welcome.

An international panel of distinguished judges will oversee the selection process. The deadline for applications and nominations to the current year's Prize is the last Friday in July of same year. Please write to director@ictp.it.