The Chen Institute AI Prize recognizes outstanding early-career researchers who are using artificial intelligence to drive interdisciplinary breakthroughs in the natural sciences. The prize highlights innovative research at the intersection of AI and scientific discovery, providing an international platform for emerging scientists whose work demonstrates how AI can transform research. Chen Prize
About the Prize:
The Tianqiao & Chrissy Chen Institute, in collaboration with Science/AAAS, established the prize to recognize innovative applications of AI that accelerate scientific research. Previous recognized work has included applications of AI in areas such as biochemistry, neuroscience and climatology.
Eligibility:
Applicants should:
- Be early-career scientists working in a field related to artificial intelligence.
- Hold an M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. at the time of entry.
- Have received the qualifying degree within the previous 10 years.
- Conduct research in areas spanning the life sciences and/or physical sciences.
- Demonstrate a meaningful scientific advance enabled or accelerated by AI-related methods.
What the Prize Recognizes:
The program is designed for researchers applying approaches such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and other AI techniques to important scientific problems. Successful work should demonstrate how AI enables advances that would be difficult or impossible using conventional approaches alone.
Prize & Recognition:
The inaugural prize program awarded a total of US$50,000. The Grand Prize carried US$30,000, while up to two finalists received US$10,000 each. Winning and finalist essays were also published through Science, providing substantial international visibility for the researchers and their work.
Research Areas:
The opportunity may be particularly relevant to researchers working at the intersection of:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Computational Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
- Biomedical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- AI for Scientific Discovery
Why Apply:
This prize offers an opportunity to showcase pioneering AI-driven research to an international scientific audience, gain recognition for innovative scientific contributions, and potentially have the work featured through Science and Chen Institute platforms. The 2026 program continues the Institute’s focus on identifying emerging leaders in AI for Science.
Application Information:
Program: Chen Institute AI Prize
Field: Artificial Intelligence & Natural Sciences
Career Stage: Early-career researchers
Degree Requirement: M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D.
Research Scope: Life Sciences & Physical Sciences
Application: Check the official prize page for the current 2026 application status and requirements.
Official Information: Chen Institute AI Prize
