Two scholars from The University of the West Indies (The UWI) are among the 2026 recipients of the Yidan Prize, recognised for work helping improve early childhood development in vulnerable communities.
According to a press release from the Yidan Prize Foundation, the 2026 laureates were announced at a press conference in Hong Kong, marking the prize’s tenth year of recognising education changemakers worldwide.
The independent Judging Committee, chaired by OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher, selected Professor Susan P. Walker, Professor Sally Grantham-McGregor and Dr Susan M. Chang-Lopez for the Yidan Prize for Education Development.
Walker is Emeritus Professor of Nutrition and Chang-Lopez is Senior Lecturer at the Caribbean Institute for Health Research at The UWI, while Grantham-McGregor is Emeritus Professor of International Child Health and Development at University College London.
The three researchers were recognised for developing Reach Up, an evidence-based early childhood programme designed to support children’s development from birth to age four. The programme uses affordable, culturally adaptable activities built around everyday routines to help caregivers develop the skills and confidence to talk, play and respond to children in ways that support cognitive development.
Reach Up is now used in more than 21 countries across the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East through health, education, social protection and humanitarian systems. Its curriculum and materials are freely available and are continuously evaluated and adapted.
“The work and collective impact of our laureates over the past decade have made the Yidan Prize a lighthouse to illuminate pathways forward in global education. Every laureate strengthens this commitment, brings transformative ideas, and expands the ways in which we shape the future of education,” said Dr Charles CHEN Yidan, Founder of the Yidan Prize.
The Education Research Prize went to University of Minnesota Professor Paul W. Glewwe for research demonstrating how socioeconomic, health and nutrition factors influence learning. His work, including the use of randomized controlled trials, has helped shape education policy in more than 15 developing countries.
Each laureate will receive HK$30 million ( $3,825,627.87 USD), including a HK$15 million cash award and HK$15 million project fund.
The 2026 Yidan Prize Summit will take place in Hong Kong from December 3–5, with the awards ceremony scheduled for the final day.
