The prize is sponsored by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety science company.

The winner will receive a $20,000 award and recognition during the 2017 Asean ministerial meeting on science and technology hosted in Myanmar.

Candidates should be 40 years of age or younger at the time of submission with an area of expertise related to this year’s theme. Applications and nominations will be accepted from May 3 until June 23.

“The Asean-US Science Prize for Women emphasises the role of female professionals working in applied science who use their work to better society in safe and sustainable ways and act as role models for other women working in and pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math fields,” said US Mission to Asean Charg? d’Affaires Jane Bocklage.

“We must recognise and encourage scientists to continue their work towards resilience and improving the safety and well-being of the fast-growing urban populations,” said Barb Guthrie, chief public safety officer for UL.

“Through their work, these women help cities harness the positive effects of rapid urbanisation for the benefit of all residents of Asean region. Advances in applied sciences promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Southeast Asia,” said Cheong Lee Sing, Head of Science and Technology Division, Asean Secretariat.