Professor Frank Biermann, founder and inaugural chair of the Earth System Governance Project, has been awarded this year’s Volvo Environment Prize for “his pioneering contributions to global sustainability governance.”

He is the first political scientist to receive the prestigious award.

The Earth System Governance Project (ESG) is a global research network under the umbrella of Future Earth, focusing on governance and global environmental change and plays a significant role in advancing social science research within Future Earth’s network.

“We are delighted to see Frank—and social sciences—being recognized through this important prize,” says Wendy Broadgate, Director of Global Secretariat Hub Sweden and Interim Coordinating Director at Future Earth. “His work, along with that of the ESG, is vital to our understanding of the complex interactions between natural, social, political and technological systems. Frank’s leadership has led to the development of a large community collaborating around Earth system governance.”

Biermann founded the transdisciplinary research network of sustainability scholars in 2008 and served as its chair until 2018; he remains active in ESG’s work as a lead faculty member and a mentor to many. 

In its motivation for the 2024 award, the prize jury noted that Biermann “has spearheaded research that has advanced our understanding of how international institutions might improve our collective ability to mitigate global environmental risks and adapt to unavoidable changes.”

The Volvo Environment Prize acknowledges scientific research, innovations, and achievements in the fields of environment and sustainability. This year’s prize will be awarded at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, on October 15.