Chen Institute & Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research 2027
Overview
The Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute & Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research honours early-career scientists using artificial intelligence to make significant advances in the physical or life sciences. Presented by the Chen Institute and Science, the competition recognizes innovative research addressing fundamental scientific questions through techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and deep learning. The AI component must be essential to achieving a fundamental scientific advance that would not have been feasible using standard disciplinary methods.
Who can apply
Applicants must be individual early-career scientists holding an M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. degree received within the ten years preceding the application. This ten-year eligibility period may be extended by up to three years for parental leave, providing an eighteen-month extension per child born during the eligibility period, and up to two years for documented medical or parental leave. Previous winners or runners-up of a Science Prize must wait at least five years before becoming eligible for another Science Prize. Research may be part of a larger team effort, but the applicant must apply as an individual and focus the submission on their own contribution.
What you get
The 2027 competition awards a grand prize of US$30,000, while up to two runners-up will each receive US$10,000. All winners and runners-up also receive a five-year digital subscription to Science, publication of their winning essays, and reasonable travel and accommodation for the awards ceremony where applicable. Recipients are responsible for applicable taxes and other costs associated with receiving or using the award.
Requirements
Applicants must submit an electronic entry via the prize management system containing a completed entry form, a curriculum vitae, a one-page letter of recommendation from a senior colleague, supervisor, or postdoctoral adviser, and a 1,000-word essay describing the research and scientific advance. The essay may include one summary figure or table and up to 15 numerical references. Entries must also include copies of up to two recent research publications relevant to the essay, with at least one having appeared in a peer-reviewed journal within the previous three calendar years. Reviews, commentary articles, and AI-generated text or figures are prohibited.
How to apply
Submissions must be completed electronically through the prize management system. Applicants must certify compliance with generative AI rules, ensuring that text or graphics generated by AI or algorithmic tools are not used in the submission.
Key dates
Applications are accepted from August to December 2026, with the application deadline falling on December 13, 2026. Review and selection take place from January to March 2027, followed by the winner announcement in July 2027. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October or November 2027.