The John Templeton Foundation has announced the launch of a new prize in honor of 2021 Templeton Prize laureate Jane Goodall, the first ethologist to receive the prize since its inception in 1972.

The Templeton Roots & Shoots Prizes will recognize and support individuals around the world whose achievements bring together science, hope, and action to create transformational change in their communities and themselves. The foundation is partnering with the Jane Goodall Institute — whose Roots & Shoots program encourages youth in fifty countries to make a difference in the world — to elevate projects led by participants. Thirty young people and/or adults who work with young people will be selected based on their work at the intersection of science, compassion, and community to receive $5,000 in support of their Roots & Shoots projects and ongoing development as emerging leaders and visionaries.

“As an extension of my grandfather’s vision to discovering life’s big questions, we are excited to support the next generation of curious leaders to inspire hope and cultivate humility,” said John Templeton Foundation president Heather Templeton Dill. “With this initiative, the foundation is lending its name and philanthropic support to Dr. Goodall’s vision for recognizing and empowering exceptional youth worldwide.”

“These youth members that are curious and inspired to cultivate change throughout the world are my greatest reason for hope,” said Goodall, who has championed the value of all life forms and been a global force for compassion, hope, and youth empowerment. “Just as the motto that Sir John Templeton chose for his foundation, ‘How little we know, how eager to learn,’ the next generation of visionary leaders can lead to great discovery among animals and ourselves.”

(Photo credit: Tim Cole)