About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (QEPrize) has officially opened nominations for its 2027 award cycle, inviting submissions from the public worldwide. Recognised as one of the most prestigious engineering honours globally, the prize celebrates groundbreaking innovations that have delivered significant benefits to humanity.
Established to highlight the transformative power of engineering, the QEPrize acknowledges individuals whose work has shaped modern life and continues to influence global progress across multiple sectors.
About the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering
The QEPrize is an international award dedicated to recognising engineers behind bold and impactful technological innovations. It is awarded to up to ten engineers who have contributed to a single engineering achievement with global significance.
Key highlights of the prize include:
A monetary award of £500,000
Recognition of engineering innovations that benefit humanity
A focus on global impact across all engineering disciplines
Public nominations accepted from anywhere in the world
Since its establishment in 2013, the prize has honoured 42 engineers whose contributions have improved the lives of billions of people globally.
Eligibility and Nomination Criteria
The 2027 nomination cycle is open, and individuals are encouraged to submit candidates who meet the award criteria. However, certain rules apply to ensure fairness and integrity in the selection process.
The key eligibility requirements include:
The innovation must demonstrate clear global impact
Up to ten engineers responsible for the innovation must be identifiable
Sufficient documentation must be provided to support the nomination
At least three referees familiar with the innovation must be identified
Self-nominations are not permitted
Posthumous nominations are not allowed
These requirements ensure that only well-documented and verifiable engineering achievements are considered.
What Makes a Strong QEPrize Nomination
A successful nomination typically highlights engineering achievements that have transformed industries, improved quality of life, or solved major global challenges. The prize encourages submissions that showcase innovation across all engineering sectors.
Strong nominations generally include:
Clear explanation of the engineering innovation
Evidence of large-scale or global benefit
Identification of the key engineers involved
Supporting references and expert validation
Demonstrated long-term societal or technological impact
The selection process prioritises innovations that are not only technically advanced but also socially meaningful.
Global Reach and Impact
The QEPrize is designed as a truly international award, reflecting the global nature of engineering innovation. It encourages participation from individuals and organisations across all regions of the world.
Since its inception, the prize has recognised engineers whose work has influenced billions of lives through advancements in areas such as:
Communication technologies
Infrastructure and transportation systems
Healthcare engineering solutions
Energy and environmental technologies
Digital and computing systems
This global scope ensures that engineering excellence is celebrated regardless of geographic location.
Nomination Process and Requirements
The nomination process for the 2027 QEPrize is conducted through an official online portal. Participants are encouraged to carefully review the requirements before submitting a nomination.
A nomination checklist includes:
Confirming that the innovation has global significance
Identifying up to ten engineers responsible for the work
Gathering sufficient supporting evidence
Securing at least three knowledgeable referees
Nominations must be detailed and well-supported to be considered by the judging panel.
Judging and Selection
The final decision is made by an expert judging panel composed of leading figures in engineering and related fields. The panel evaluates each nomination based on technical excellence, innovation, and societal impact.
The judging process takes place in London, where shortlisted candidates are reviewed in detail before final selections are made.
Importance of the QEPrize
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering plays a critical role in highlighting the importance of engineering in solving global challenges. It not only celebrates individual achievement but also inspires future generations of engineers.
By recognising transformative innovations, the prize helps to:
Promote engineering as a vital global profession
Encourage innovation that addresses real-world challenges
Inspire young engineers to pursue impactful careers
Highlight the role of engineering in sustainable development
Contact and Administration
The QEPrize is administered by the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation, based in London. Interested parties can contact the organisation for further information or clarification regarding nominations.
General contact details include:
Email: info@qeprize.org
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7766 0600
Conclusion
The 2027 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering nominations offer an opportunity to recognise exceptional engineering achievements that have made a lasting global impact. By inviting nominations from around the world, the QEPrize continues to celebrate innovation, creativity, and technical excellence in engineering.
As the nominations window opens, the prize reinforces its mission to honour engineers whose work improves lives and shapes the future of humanity.
How to apply