CHEN INSTITUTE & SCIENCE
Chen Institute & Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research 2027
- US$30,000Grand Prize Value
- US$10,000Runner-up Prize Value
- 2026-12-13Application Deadline
- ~3 awards per yearNumber of Awards
- PhD-levelEligible Degree Level
- Founded ~2000s (est.)Institute Founding
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Chen Institute & Science
Provider
The Chen Institute & Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research recognizes early-career scientists whose work leverages artificial intelligence to achieve significant breakthroughs in the physical or life sciences. Presented by the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute and Science, this annual prize highlights innovative research that utilizes AI techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, or deep learning to address fundamental scientific questions. The 2027 competition offers a grand prize of US$30,000, along with up to two runner-up awards of US$10,000 each. Winners also receive a five-year digital subscription to Science, publication of their winning essays, and travel support for the awards ceremony. This program was established to inspire more scientists to adopt AI-enabled approaches in their respective fields. The prize specifically targets research where AI was indispensable to making a fundamental scientific advance that would not have been possible with traditional methods alone. Eligible research must demonstrate a profound impact on an empirical science. Applicants must be individuals, even if their research was part of a larger team effort, and their submitted essay must clearly focus on their personal contribution to the work. Applicants typically need to have received their M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. within 10 years of the application date, though extensions are possible for parental or medical leave. The application process involves submitting an essay, a letter of recommendation, a CV, and relevant publications. The deadline for the 2027 competition is December 13, 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Grand Prize Award — A monetary award of US$30,000 for the overall winner.
- Runner-up Awards — Up to two runners-up will each receive a monetary award of US$10,000.
- Travel and Accommodation — Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for the awards ceremony, where applicable.
- Science Subscription — A five-year digital subscription to Science magazine.
- Essay Publication — Publication of the winning essay (and runner-up essays) in Science, both online and in print.
How to apply
Applicants must submit their entry electronically through the official prize management system. It is crucial to review all eligibility rules and submission requirements carefully before preparing your application.
- Access the Application System — Navigate to the official prize management system online to begin your electronic submission for the 2027 competition.
- Complete the Entry Form — Fill out the required electronic entry form with all necessary personal and research details.
- Write the 1,000-Word Essay — Prepare an essay of exactly 1,000 words (excluding a single summary figure/table and up to 15 references). This essay must describe your research, the fundamental scientific advance achieved, and your individual contribution, emphasizing how AI was scientifically consequential.
- Obtain a Letter of Recommendation — Secure a one-page letter of recommendation from a postdoctoral adviser, supervisor, or senior colleague who is familiar with your work and can speak to its quality and originality.
- Gather Research Publications — Select up to two recent research publications relevant to your essay. At least one must be peer-reviewed and published within the previous three calendar years. A preprint can be used as a second publication if the first meets the peer-reviewed requirement.
- Submit All Documents — Upload your completed entry form, essay, letter of recommendation, curriculum vitae, and selected research publications through the online system by the deadline.
Eligibility
Degree RequirementMust hold an M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. at the time of entry.
Degree DateReceived the relevant degree within the 10 years preceding the application. Extensions of up to three years are available for parental leave (18 months per child, max 3 years) and up to two years for medical leave.
Research FocusResearch must involve AI-associated techniques that address fundamental questions in the physical or life sciences, where the AI component was essential to the advance.
Individual ContributionMust be able to demonstrate their individual contribution to the research described in the essay.
Previous winners or runners-up of a Science Prize generally must wait at least five years before being eligible again. The use of generative AI for generating submission text, figures, images, or graphics is strictly prohibited, though limited editing tools like Grammarly may be allowed if declared.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Main Deadline 20272026-12-13
Selection
Applications are reviewed based on the scientific significance of the research, the clarity of the applicant's individual contribution, and how compellingly the essay demonstrates the essential role of AI in achieving a fundamental scientific advance. Strong applications clearly articulate the scientific problem, previous limitations, and how AI overcame them. The quality and relevance of the supporting publications and the recommender's endorsement are also crucial factors in the selection process.
Verified sources
- Chen Institute & Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research 2027globalsouthopportunities.comofficial
About the provider
The Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute is a private research organization focused on advancing brain science. In partnership with Science, a leading global science journal, they recognize groundbreaking research that pushes scientific boundaries.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Chen Institute & Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research?
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This prize recognizes early-career scientists who have used artificial intelligence to make significant, fundamental advances in the physical or life sciences. It is awarded by the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute and Science.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The prize provides a monetary award, covers reasonable travel and accommodation for the awards ceremony, includes a five-year digital subscription to Science, and features publication of the winning essay in Science.
What is the award value?
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The grand prize winner receives US$30,000. Up to two runners-up each receive US$10,000.
Who is eligible for this prize?
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Early-career scientists holding an M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. degree are eligible. Their research must demonstrate how AI was essential to a fundamental scientific advance in the physical or life sciences.
Are there any country restrictions for applicants?
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The scholarship information does not specify any country restrictions for applicants. It appears to be open to eligible scientists internationally.
Which study levels are eligible for this prize?
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Applicants must have completed a doctorate-level degree (M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) within the last 10 years, making it suitable for postdoctoral or early-career research.
What is the application deadline for the 2027 competition?
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The application deadline for the 2027 competition is December 13, 2026.
How do I apply for this prize?
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Applications must be submitted electronically through the official prize management system. This involves completing an entry form, writing a 1,000-word essay, and uploading supporting documents.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents include a completed entry form, a 1,000-word essay, a one-page letter of recommendation, a curriculum vitae, and copies of up to two relevant research publications.
How are recipients selected?
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Recipients are selected based on the scientific significance of their research, the demonstrated essential role of AI, and the clarity of their individual contribution as presented in their essay and supporting materials.
What is the duration of the prize or associated benefits?
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The prize is a one-time award. Associated benefits include a five-year digital subscription to Science and the publication of the winning essay.
Where can I confirm the official details and apply?
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You should visit the official website of the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute & Science Prize for AI Accelerated Research to confirm current-cycle details and access the application portal.