About the Awards
The Rolex Awards recognise pioneers whose work contributes to the betterment of mankind. In 2012, Rolex will give generous support to five Laureates for their projects that improve life on our planet.
Established in 1976 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Oyster chronometer, the world’s first-ever waterproof watch, the Rolex Awards have in the past three decades provided funding and recognition to 115 outstanding individuals whose projects have brought major benefits to their communities and beyond.
Discover past winners of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise
In 2010, Rolex launched the Young Laureates Programme to foster innovation in the next generation. Meet the first winners of the Young Laureates Programme at young.rolexawards.com.
How to apply for a 2012 Rolex Award
Facts & Figures
- 25,800 applications received and evaluated
- Since the Awards were founded in 1976, 110 Laureates have been selected
- 95 world-renowned experts have served as judges
- Youngest person to win a Rolex Award: 28 years old
- 47 was the average age of applicants in 2008
- Oldest person to win a Rolex Award: 74 years old
- Women made up 23% of applicants in 2008
Latest News from the Rolex Awards
Protecting endangered species
Over several decades, these three Rolex Laureates have dedicated their time, energy and ingenuity to saving an endangered species
Embroidering the future
Chanda Shroff is reviving a dazzling traditional craft and giving women financial independence
The sound of cool
Steven Garrett and his collaborators have been quietly labouring to perfect a refrigerator cooled by sound
More fonio, less labour
Sanoussi Diakité’s labour-saving invention gains is now being used in many countries
In Darwin’s footsteps
Palaeontologist Teresa Manera examines footprints in fossilized sediment on Argentina’s Atlantic coast
Rescuing Thailand’s natural riches
Two Laureates describe their concerns about Thailand’s wildlife and their plans to save threatened species
Antarctic Ardour
Cristian Donoso is completing his second Antarctic expedition, this time to the highest peaks of the Antarctic Peninsula
Young Laureates finalists
Rolex has announced the 27 finalists for the inaugural Young Laureates Programme
Fighting the “black beast” of global warming
Two Laureates will team up in a bid to help overcome a major driver of global climate change
Battles across the centuries
British archaeologist Geoffrey Summers reveals insights about a major 1810 sea battle
Saving Traditions
Three former Rolex Laureates are saving ancient traditions and are teaching the modern world to embrace cultural heritage
Young Laureates Programme
Rolex has announced the judges who will choose the first five winners in the Young Laureates Programme
Counting tigers on YouTube
2004 Laureate Shekar Dattatri has created a film guide to monitoring tigers and their prey
Life in the canopy
1984 Laureate Donald Perry is giving the public access to previously unexplored rainforest regions
Illuminating lives in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea project will provide reliable lighting in 1,100 first-aid posts in isolated villages
The man with 100,000 beetles
1987 Laureate Pierre Morvan has discovered over 600 species of beetles, and invented a new classification method
Cold truths
Three former Rolex Laureates are exploring the mountain tops and the two poles to research the impact of climate change
Healing the city
Rolex Awards Selection Committee member Dr Luis Rojas Marcos, originally from Spain, has overcome many challenges to achieve success in his adopted city, New York
Smallest of a large species
In March 2009, a 0.3-metre-long baby whale shark found in the Philippines made news around the globe
Project milestones
Two Laureates are set to meet milestones in projects, improving life on Planet Earth
Broadening horizons
Saving forests and animals requires project expansion for three previous Rolex Laureates
2008 Associate Laureates honoured
Five pioneering individuals have been recognized at ceremonies for their groundbreaking projects
Awards Ceremony and Forum in Dubai
Passion, determination, persistence and excellence were evident at the Awards Ceremony and Forum held in Dubai in November 2008
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The Rolex Awards support outstanding initiatives in five key areas of human endeavour: