APEC Prize Fuels Research Linking Women’s Health to Economic Growth
The 2026 APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize (HWHE) is now accepting applications, spotlighting the critical connection between women’s well-being and economic prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region. The prize, initiated in 2019, aims to generate robust data and evidence-based research to inform policy and business decisions.
Investing in Women’s Health: A Cornerstone of Economic Development
According to Anita Peña Saavedra, Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy, “Women’s full engagement is a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable economic development.” The prize recognizes that prioritizing women’s health isn’t simply a social issue, but a fundamental driver of economic growth and resilience.
Who Can Apply?
The HWHE prize is open to individuals or teams from APEC member economies. Importantly, applicants are not required to be from academic institutions, as long as their research is evidence-based and addresses at least one key area: workplace health and safety, health awareness and access, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, or work–life balance.
Prize Details and Past Successes
The winner of the 2026 prize will receive USD 20,000 and recognition at the Women and the Economy Forum. Two runners-up will each be awarded USD 5,000. In 2025, Professor Jun Zhu of China’s National Health Commission received the prize for her work integrating population and hospital data to improve maternal health policy. Her project contributed to a significant reduction in China’s maternal mortality rate – from 31.9 to 15.1 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2009 and 2023.
Focus Areas for Research
Awarded research has previously focused on critical areas such as non-communicable diseases, family and workplace policy reforms, and caregiving, demonstrating how health and care responsibilities directly impact women’s economic outcomes. Merck Healthcare, a prize sponsor, emphasizes the role of health and life science companies in accelerating progress, stating that partnership with governments and civil society is crucial for developing innovative solutions.
A Growing Track Record of Impact
Since its inception, the HWHE Research Prize has recognized seven winners from four APEC economies – China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines – and runners-up from eleven additional economies, including Australia, Canada, and the United States.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 prize are now open and will close on Friday, 6 March 2026. Interested candidates can find more information and submit their applications by visiting the HWHE website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize?
It’s an annual prize recognizing innovative research on the link between women’s health and economic participation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individuals or teams from APEC member economies, regardless of academic affiliation, can apply if their research is evidence-based.
What are the key research areas of interest?
Workplace health and safety, health awareness and access, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and work–life balance.
What is the prize money?
The winner receives USD 20,000, and two runners-up each receive USD 5,000.
Where can I find more information and apply?
Visit [email protected].