Championing people with the courage to commit and achieve in education
The Yidan Prize is an inclusive education award that recognizes individuals, or up to three-member teams, who have contributed significantly to education research and development.
The prize aims to progress learning by building a global community committed to advancing ideas in education.
Realizing a dream
The Yidan Prize Foundation was formally established in 2016 by Dr Charles CHEN Yidan, a philanthropist, entrepreneur and lifelong learner.
Recognizing the transformative effect education had on his life, he founded the prize to fulfill his dream of helping others benefit too.
The idea of the prize came to him after stepping down as Chief Administration Officer of Tencent, which he co-founded in 1998.
Awarded annually since 2017
Each year the Yidan Prize is awarded in two categories to individuals, or teams of up to three members:
Yidan Prize for Education Research
Awarded for significant contribution to the science of education.
Yidan Prize for Education Development
Awarded for instituting positive change in education and learning.
Each prize comprises a gold medal and a total sum of HK$30 million (around US$3.9 million). Half is a cash prize of HK$15 million. The other HK$15 million is a project fund to help them expand their initiatives.
Nominating candidates for the Yidan Prize
Nominators are typically members of government bodies, non-governmental organizations, professional associations and individual thought leaders.
The nominator should be a credible witness to the impact of the nominee(s).
Nominees can be either individuals or teams of up to three members. They can be teachers, researchers, academics, policymakers and education advocates.
Self-nominations are accepted, however posthumous nominations are not.
Identifying the most worthy recipients
The Yidan Prize is a global award that identifies, recognizes, rewards and encourages change makers opening doors and lighting the way in learning.
Each nomination is reviewed against a set of rigorous criteria. These are based on the degree the nominees’ work is future-oriented, innovative, transformative, and sustainable.
Our meticulous judging process aims to ensure that judging is fair, open, unbiased and aligned with our vision and mission.
Creating a better world through education
We believe that by recognizing the most innovative minds in educational research and practice, and building a global learning community around them, we will accelerate adoption of the best ideas and practices. This will improve the quality of education around the world and promote wider access to educational opportunity.
Symbolizing our vision
Created by the world-renowned designer and artist Dr Kan Tai-keung SBS, BBS, AGI, the Yidan Prize logo and medals celebrate our vision and mission.
The emblems and images of the Yidan Prize
How Dr Kan created the symbolism, and the ideas they reflect, offers fascinating insights into the thinking of an iconic designer.