The Night for Nature – Fight for Nature in cooperation with the Porgy & Bess honors courageous scientists who devote themselves to nature, species and climate protection in words and deeds worldwide in the sense of the motto "Tell the Truth!" - often at high personal risk.

The Courageous Scientists Award for Environmental and Climate Justice is the first international award for moral courage in the fight for global climate justice and against ecological collapse and species extinction. The award highlights the work of researchers who raise their voice even if faced with repression. “Courageous scientists and scholars need global visibility, especially in the Global South. They often risk their freedom or even their lives,” says founder of the prize Dr. Norbert Mayr. “With this award, we want to increase their visibility and also encourage other researchers, particularly in the global North to take a more decisive public stance.” The award emphasises that science has a societal responsibility to demand urgently needed systemic change.

According to a two-stage process, exceptionally committed, courageous, and encouraging personalities were found on six continents: Africa, Asia, Australia, Oceania, Europe, North America and South America.

The winners of the Scientists Award for Environmental and Climate Justice 2025 will, in addition to prize money, be honored with a certificate.

The Award Ceremony in November refers to the “climate and environmental emergency“, the European Parliament declared first on 28.11.2019.

Eine Veranstaltung des Forums ökosoziale Transformationen (Wien)