Applications for the National Crystal Compass Award, which is held under the auspices of the Russian Geographical Society, are now open. In 2026, the crystal and silver statuettes will be presented for the 14th time. The winners of this prestigious international award will be the authors of outstanding achievements and scientific research in the field of geography, ecology, and related sciences, as well as teams and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the preservation of natural, historical, cultural heritage, and to the development of society. Scientific and educational institutions, creative unions, Russian and foreign organizations, enterprises of various fields, as well as independent initiative groups, public figures, and individuals are invited to apply. Applications are accepted until February 10, 2026.
«The idea of the Crystal Compass Award is humanistic, unifying, inspiring. In 13 years, its community has included amazing people from more than 50 countries around the world. Those who take care of nature in different parts of the world, those who make scientific discoveries and continue to explore our planet,» said Nikolai Drozdov, a member of the award’s expert council, a member of the Media Council of the Russian Geographical Society, famous TV presenter.
After the application are closed, the nominees' projects will be reviewed by the members of the award’s expert council. The jury consists of reputable scientists, well-known government and public figures, representatives of businesses and the media. The winners will be determined in the following categories: «Scientific Achievement», «Journey and Expedition», «Education», «Best Mass Media Project, Media Project», «Photography», «Civic Participation», «Publication», «Best Regional Project», «Best Socio-informational Project for the Preservation of Natural, Historical, and Cultural Heritage», «Best Environmental Project of Industrial Enterprises, Businesses». The owner of another Crystal Compass will be determined based on the results of the popular vote. You can apply on the official website of the national award.
«This is the 14th time we have announced a competition for the prestigious Crystal Compass Award. We hope that, as in previous years, the geography of the award participants expands. It is important for us that the Crystal Compass has become not just an award, but a kind of platform for sharing experiences and a source of inspiration. Every year we discover new names and ideas that are valuable to the whole world,» said Ivan Chaika, Chairman of the organizing committee of the Crystal Compass Award, Head of the Krasnodar Regional Branch of the RGS.
The winners of the Crystal Compass Award in 2025. Photo: Feliks Geller, Anna Zinovieva / Krasnodar regional branch of the RGS
The National Crystal Compass Award is awarded annually under the auspices of the Russian Geographical Society for outstanding achievements and scientific research in the field of geography, ecology, and related sciences, or for major contributions to the preservation of natural, historical, and cultural heritage, technological developments and the development of society. Over the past 13 years, almost 5,000 creative teams from 51 countries have been nominated for the award. Almost 3.2 million people expressed their preferences in the special «Public Recognition» category, where the laureates are determined by online voting. In 2025, the award was supported by the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives and was dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the RGS.