Robert Burns Humanitarian Award

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is a globally-respected honour bestowed annually on a group or individual who shows selflessness and dedication in a bid to save, enrich or improve the lives of others through the protection and promotion of human rights and work to deliver social reform.

Named in honour of Scotland's son, Robert Burns, this much sought after humanitarian award applauds the efforts of people who bring hope and inspiration, often in desperate situations, and help change lives for the better.

Osas Aizeyosabor Agho - 2026 Winner

The 2026 winner is Osas Aizeyosabor Agho. Osas is a humanitarian public health specialist, who has delivered life-saving support in conflict zones and humanitarian crises across Africa and Europe and has been named as the winner of the 2026 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award.

Read more in our press release.

View information on the 2026 finalists.

About the award

As Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns is celebrated as a pioneer of his generation, with his dynamic vision inspiring the founders of socialism and liberalism. The humanitarian values he embraced in his short life are captured for eternity in his rousing world famous works which are now his legacy. Burns' work continues to inspire people from all walks of life and in all corners of the globe.

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is supported by South Ayrshire Council. The winner receives a specially commissioned award handcrafted in Scotland and the equivalent of 1759 guineas - a sum which signifies the year of the Bard's birth and the coinage in circulation at the time - equating to £1,800 in today's currency.

Burns is one of Scotland's favourite icons, encapsulating the very essence that makes Scots Scottish. More information about how to celebrate Burns' Day and the life of the Bard himself can be found at www.scotland.org/burns