Yidan Prize 2026 Celebrates Innovators Bridging Education, Health, and Economics

The Yidan Prize 2026: A Celebration of Innovation

On September 4, 2026, the Yidan Prize Foundation held a press conference in Hong Kong, announcing the esteemed recipients of the 2026 Yidan Prize. This year marks a decade since the foundation has recognized pioneers who redefine the realms of education and care at the intersection of health, nutrition, and economics. Led by Andreas Schleicher, the director of education and skills at the OECD, the independent jury recognized Professor Paul W. Glewwe with the Yidan Prize for Education Research. Professor Glewwe's significant research has led to the development of effective strategies to overcome educational barriers and unlock the potential of children in disadvantaged communities. Additionally, the jury awarded the Yidan Prize for Education Development to Professors Susan P. Walker and Sally Grantham-McGregor, along with Dr. Susan M. Chang-Lopez, for their evidence-based model that impacts early childhood education.

Recognizing Pioneers in Educational Research

The 2026 laureates will each receive a cash prize of HK$15 million (approximately US$1.9 million) along with a project fund of HK$15 million to further their initiatives and expand their reach. In total, the Yidan Prize Foundation has awarded HK$600 million (about US$77 million) to 25 recipients since its inception in 2017, effectively supporting transformative work in nearly 60 countries and regions.

"The efforts and shared impact of our laureates over the past decade have turned the Yidan Prize into a beacon illuminating the future of global education. Each laureate strengthens this commitment, contributing transformative ideas and expanding the possibilities for shaping the future of education," stated Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan, the founder of the Yidan Prize.

Emphasizing the Role of Socioeconomic Factors

Professor Paul W. Glewwe, a Regents Professor at the University of Minnesota, has been honored for emphasizing how socioeconomic, health, and nutritional factors influence children's learning outcomes, extending beyond traditional educational influences. His work has integrated various indicators of literacy, numeracy, and abstract reasoning skills into World Bank household surveys, helping policymakers better understand the connection between poverty, inequality, and education. He pioneered the use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effectiveness of educational programs, aiding governments, and development organizations in efficiently allocating resources to approaches that demonstrably enhance learning outcomes.

Dr. Elizabeth M. King, chair of the jury for the Yidan Prize for Education Research, underscored the significance of Glewwe's work. "Transforming education systems and outcomes requires rigorous scientific discipline combined with an unwavering commitment to making a difference in people's lives. For nearly 40 years, Paul Glewwe has demonstrated this scientific rigor, providing governments with crucial insights to utilize their resources effectively," she stated.

Evidence-Based Approaches to Early Childhood Education

The Yidan Prize for Education Development was awarded to Professors Susan P. Walker, Sally Grantham-McGregor, and Dr. Susan M. Chang-Lopez for their impactful early childhood education program, Reach Up. With backgrounds in health and nutrition, these scholars discovered the critical role quality interactions and early nurturing play in the developmental pathways of children. Based on these findings, they created accessible, culturally adaptable methods to empower caregivers to stimulate children aged 0 to 4.

Using cost-effective activities embedded in everyday routines, Reach Up helps caregivers enhance their skills, knowledge, and confidence in interacting with children in ways that promote cognitive development. This program is currently implemented in over 21 countries across the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, utilizing existing health, social protection, education, and humanitarian systems. The curriculum and materials for Reach Up are freely available and continuously evaluated and adapted to improve program effectiveness.

Shaping the Future of Learning

The recipients of the 2026 Yidan Prize will convene from December 3-5, 2026, at the Yidan Prize Summit in Hong Kong, participating in stimulating discussions surrounding the future of education. Building on last year’s conversation about the crossroads facing education, this year’s summit will focus on the ongoing transformation viewing education not just as a space but as a driving force for flourishing ecosystems rooted in interpersonal relationships, creativity, and profound learning in the era of AI. The Yidan Prize Awards Ceremony will take place on the final day, where the laureates will receive their awards, celebrating their contributions to education and society.

Conclusion

Through the brilliance of its recipients and their groundbreaking work, the Yidan Prize continues to illuminate paths for a brighter future in education. By promoting its innovative research and developments, the foundation inspires a global community of scholars, practitioners, and changemakers dedicated to making a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.

For further details, please visit yidanprize.org.