About
Top 30 scientists working on solutions to climate change.
Could you be one of them?
For the first time on record, global warming has exceeded temperatures of 1.5°C over a 12-month period. Now we find ourselves at an Inflection point in the climate crisis — a defining moment in history. What we do now will dictate the course of our planet’s climate for decades to come.
To keep global warming to less than 1.5°C as called for in the Paris Agreement – emissions need to reach net zero by 2050. One-third of these reductions will rely on technologies that are still in development. To achieve this, we need to maximise the potential contribution of talented individuals and connect them with the highest impact opportunities.
Inflection is the first awards programme dedicated to finding the top young scientists of tomorrow and connecting them with the highest impact opportunities to make their mark on climate change. We will bring together 30 awardees from all corners of the globe for an exclusive 2 day event in Paris, the birthplace of the International Treaty on Climate Change.
By providing early-career scientists with unique opportunity to connect with world-renowned experts, increasing visibility of their research, and celebrating their work, we hope to make a tangible contribution in advancing innovative solutions to combat climate change.
2025
Inflection
Awardees
The Inflection Awardees are the 30 best young scientists in the world working on breakthrough solutions to climate change. Selected through a rigorous evaluation process from hundreds of applicants, they stood out for their scientific excellence, ambition, and potential to drive real-world impact.
This cohort of groundbreaking scientists represents the power of research, the drive of young minds, and the urgency of action. They are not just imagining the future, they are building it.
30 Awardees were honoured at an exclusive event in Paris, engaged in a world-class bootcamp, and gained access to exceptional career opportunities.
Paris
Fully funded trip to Paris, covering all expenses including transportation, visa, accommodation, etc.
Knowledge
Exclusive talks and workshops designed to help you learn and understand the different pathways to apply your skills to maximise your climate impact across areas like: startups, industry, venture capital, policy and more.
Networking
International recognition of you and your work in from top minds in the climate community and media.
Career
Career opportunities for the next steps in your career: from research funding, fellowships, investment, company creation, policy and more.
Gala Dinner
Awards ceremony alongside high-profile guests across academia, industry, startups, policy and more.
inflection Award
applications open
(sep 12–dec 1)
→ inflectionaward.com
inflection Award
applications open
(sep 12–dec 1)
→ inflectionaward.com
inflection Award
applications open
(sep 12–dec 1)
→ inflectionaward.com
Who can Apply?
As a scientist, you’ve already committed yourself to research that could unlock the innovations we need for climate. But after you finish your PhD, how do you translate your skills to make a real world impact? Inflection is designed to recognise your potential and show you the highest impact opportunities for your future.
Are you a PhD student or a fresh PhD graduate?*
Does your research have a massive potential climate impact?*
We're sorry, this event is exclusive to PhDs working on high potential climate technologies, but you can still help — nominate someone today!
Perfect! We can't wait to learn more about you.
*Detailed Eligibility & Assessment Criteria can be found in FAQ section
Meet the
Inflection
Judges
Climate change is not restricted to climate scientists, it’s a threat that unites us all, and solutions to it will require consolidated effort from diverse fields.
Our Judges are a group of leading scientists, innovators, startup founders, investors and policy makers whose combined expertise highlights the power of interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing climate change.
Applications Open
Sep 1
Applications Close
Nov 15
Awardees Announced
Dec 15
Awards Ceremony
Mar 11
Frequently Asked Questions
Awards
Inflection is organised by Marble, a climate tech venture studio solving hard climate problems.
The award is proudly supported by Breakthrough Energy Fellows, a global program supporting promising inventors and researchers working on new technologies that could significantly reduce carbon emissions, and the Quadrature Climate Foundation, who provide a financial support to people and organisations working to help urgently reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and to improve methods of communication.
Celebrate outstanding achievement: Recognise early-career scientists making significant contributions to climate tech.
Surface high-potential solutions: Identify innovative low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) climate solutions and connect them with opportunities to accelerate their development.
Promote and inspire a more diverse next generation: We will work to achieve gender parity, promote a strong representation of diverse ethnic groups, and promote geographical diversity.
Connect innovators: Link scientists with opportunities in entrepreneurship, industry, investing, applied R&D, and policy.
The event will take place in Paris, France, over two days on the 10th and 11th March 2025. Awardees must be able to be in person in Paris during this time (the trip and associated costs are fully funded).
The two-day fully-funded experience in Paris offers Awardees an exclusive series of talks and workshops led by top speakers from startups, policy, academia, industry, and beyond. The programme will culminate in a prestigious Gala Dinner with influential guests and key stakeholders in climate.
30 winners will be displayed on the website and on all of our social media accounts on March 12, 2025. Recipients of the award will be informed in advance, on January 20th and supported with travel plans to attend.
Application
To apply, you need to meet all of the following criteria:
- Currently pursuing a PhD or graduated with a PhD within the last 12 months.
- Conducting research with climate-relevant impact, in any field of study (this is not limited to climate science; we encourage applicants from a wide range of disciplines, from engineering, biology, chemistry, geology and beyond).
- Motivated by an urgent desire to maximise your impact on the climate crisis.
- Able to be in Paris for the 10th-11th March 2025 (we cover expenses!)
We welcome applications from researchers anywhere in the world. We believe that diverse perspectives are crucial to tackling the climate challenge. We strongly encourage women, people of colour, and individuals from underrepresented groups in science to apply.
Early Applications Deadline: November 1, 23:59 CET
Applications Deadline: December 1, 23:59 CET
Yes, the Inflection Award is open to applicants from anywhere in the world. We strongly encourage scientists from all countries and regions to apply.
No, the Inflection Award is not limited to climate scientists. We are seeking researchers from a wide range of fields, from engineering, biology, chemistry, geology and beyond. As long as your work has the potential to address the climate crisis, we want to hear from you.
While our official deadline remains December 1 at 23:59, we understand that sometimes circumstances may prevent applicants from meeting this timeline.
We are able to accept late applications until December 15 at 23:59. However, these applications will not be prioritized in the review process and will instead be placed on a waitlist. Furthermore, due to the tight schedule required for travel arrangements, we may only be able to review late applications from applicants residing in countries that do not require a visa to attend the event in person on March 11.
We appreciate your understanding of these logistical considerations, which ensure a smooth and fair process for all participants.
If selected, your trip to Paris will be fully funded. This includes transportation, visa fees, accommodation, meals, and all event-related expenses.
When someone is nominated, we send an email directly to the nominee inviting them to apply for the award. If the nomination comes from their academic supervisor and includes a strong recommendation letter, their application will be given priority in the review process.
As long as you are officially enrolled in a PhD program and meet the other eligibility criteria, you are welcome to apply, even if you are currently on a break from your studies.
If you graduated within the last 12 months and meet all other criteria (research, availability, etc.), then you are still eligible for the award.
Final awardees will be notified by January 20, 2025 and will communicate travel arrangements for the Award Ceremony. Upon submission of your application you shall receive a confirmation email from applications@inflectionaward.com, please make sure to check your Spam folder.
All successful candidates will be informed directly before public announcements.
Sponsors & Media
We welcome sponsors who are passionate about advancing climate solutions and supporting young scientists. Please contact us by sending an email directly to info@inflectionaward.com to discuss opportunities.
Please contact us by sending an email directly to info@inflectionaward.com
Please contact us by sending an email directly to info@inflectionaward.com
Opening applications for Inflection 2026 in