An international prize for science books
Read. Debate. Choose.
Every year, thousands of high-school students read outstanding books on fundamental science, debate them with the authors, and vote for their favourite. A committee of leading scientists awards a second prize.
Why it matters
Science belongs to everyone.
From climate to vaccines to artificial intelligence, understanding how science works matters to every citizen. Yet not every young person gets the same chance to discover it: students from disadvantaged backgrounds rarely meet a scientist, or picture science as a path open to them.
So the Cosmos Prize brings the books into schools, free of charge, and brings students face to face with the people who wrote them. Along the way, it celebrates the scientists and writers who do most to share fundamental science with the public.
Awarded by a scientific committee
Cosmos Prize
A committee of internationally renowned scientists shortlists the finalists, holds public debates with them, and names the winner.
Awarded by students
Cosmos Students’ Prize
Student juries across the country read the five shortlisted books, debate them with the authors, and vote. Their representatives proclaim the winner at a national assembly.
How a year unfolds
From publisher to podium
01
Books are submitted
Publishers send their best popular-science titles to the national committee.
02
Finalists are chosen
The scientific committee shortlists the finalists for its prize, and selects five books to send to participating schools.
03
Students read and debate
Student juries of 10–20 students per school meet the authors and choose their favourite.
04
Two prizes are awarded
Both winners receive their prize at a ceremony with the committee and a student delegation.
Around the world
National editions
A UN Decade initiative
Endorsed by the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development
The Global Cosmos Prize Programme for Science Literacy is an endorsed activity of the UN International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), coordinated by UNESCO.
Roll of Honour
Every winner, from every edition
Browse all past laureates of the Cosmos Prize and the Cosmos Students’ Prize, by country and by year.
Bring the Cosmos Prize to your country.
We welcome scientists, educators and institutions who would like to start an edition in their own country. Write to us, and we’ll explain how it works.
Contact: g.bertone [at] uva.nl