Selecting the Laureates

Our research process helps our Jury choose the most innovative change-makers from all walks of life.

We receive nominations for the Right Livelihood Award from all regions in the world, covering a variety of topics. This allows us to acquire a sense of what people around the world perceive to be the most urgent problems – and crucially, who is working to solve them.

Each year, we manage upwards of 100 nominations for the Award. During a thorough research process, which lasts roughly from March until August, we build a clear understanding of the nominees’ activities, achievements and reputation among relevant stakeholders. We collect this information by reaching out to independent experts for comment and conducting background research and literature reviews. In some cases, we visit nominees in person to observe their work on the ground. All information gathered during this process is kept fully confidential.

Following our research, detailed reports are written and submitted to our Board and Jury. It is our Jury that ultimately decides on the year’s Laureates. Composed of Right Livelihood Board members, previous Laureates and their representatives, and independent experts, the Jury meets in late August to select the Laureates in a unanimous decision. Their decision is later announced at a press conference in Stockholm, Sweden.