Mustafa Prize Laureate Donates Cash Award to Support Young Islamic Scientists

According to the Mustafa Prize (PBUH) Promotion and Communications Office, Prof. Toner, recognized in 2025 for his pioneering work in biomedical engineering, requested his share of the $500,000 prize be allocated to support emerging researchers in the Islamic world.

Key details about this initiative and the medal include:

• Precedent of Giving: Prof. Toner joins previous laureates Prof. Ugur Sahin (2019), Prof. Omid Farokhzad (2023), and Dr. Wahab Mirrakani (2025), who similarly endowed their cash prizes to establish and sustain the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Medal.
• Eligibility Criteria: The medal targets scientists under 40 years of age (born in 1987 or later for the 2026 cycle) who reside in Islamic countries.
• Nomination Process: Candidates must be nominated by third-party scientific entities, such as universities, research centers, academies of science, or technology parks.
• Award Scope: Recognizing impactful achievements in medical and life sciences, engineering, basic sciences, and computer science, the award includes a medal, a certificate of appreciation, and a $10,000 cash prize.

Prof. Toner, a Turkish-origin professor of biomedical engineering at Harvard Medical School, was honored in 2025 for developing nanomicrofluidic systems that isolate circulating tumor cells, enabling earlier disease detection and precise treatment design.

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