The Nature Awards Healthspan Accelerator is being launched to identify research in human health with the potential to transform the human healthspan. Scientific rigor and integrity are ensured throughout the translation process, while tools and connections are provided to enable the groundbreaking research of applicants to be translated for maximum impact.
Funding, expert insights, science communication guidance, mentorship from industry leaders, specialized training, and a translational science intensive residential programme in London, UK, are to be offered. The residential programme will feature a series of hands-on workshops covering the entire translation process—from discovery through development, clinical validation, science communication, and go-to-market strategy. Nature Awards
In 2025, focus will be placed on four key areas:
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Regulation of host metabolism and the rate of aging
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Identification and mediation of aging cells
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Reduction of risk factors and slowing of neurodegeneration
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Attenuation of age-associated inflammation
Approaches designed to influence the biological mechanisms of physical and cognitive aging, research leading to products and treatments for healthspan optimization, and innovative solutions in wearables and real-time biomarker tracking are welcomed. Applicants with validated novel therapies or nutritional supplements targeting metabolic or longevity pathways, or with in vitro or in vivo models for assessing natural product efficacy, are especially encouraged. Applications falling outside these criteria will still be considered.
Key Dates:
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Launch date: 15 September 2025
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Application deadline: 10 December 2025 (11:59 pm UTC)
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Assessment period: December 2025–April 2026
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Notification of winners: May 2026
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Residential training programme: June 2026
Prizes:
Four winners will each be awarded:
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An unrestricted cash prize of USD 10,000
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An all-expenses-paid place at the one-week residential training programme at Springer Nature Headquarters in London, June 2026, including training sessions, 1-to-1 commercialization clinics, pitch-building guidance, and networking with scientists, entrepreneurs, editors, and venture capital representatives
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Promotion of their research on nature.com
Eligibility:
Applications are welcomed worldwide (excluding sanction-sensitive countries) from researchers, principal investigators, and scientific teams in any human healthspan-related discipline. Priority will be given to projects centered on natural compounds for metabolic health, longevity, or healthy aging. Applicants must:
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Be research group leaders, principal investigators, or researchers employed by a university, non-profit, or government-funded research institute
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Aspire to commercialize their research through licensing or a spin-out company
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Possess intellectual property rights or ensure their employer does
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Notify their Technology Transfer Office (or equivalent) of the application
The research must show potential for translation into a product or service, with some early validation data. No active collaborations with companies on the same commercial idea should be in place.
Evaluation:
Applications will be assessed by a panel of scientific and commercial experts according to:
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Science: Originality and quality of the underpinning research
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Opportunity: Commercial viability and relevance to a health need
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Intellectual Property: Potential for building a strong IP portfolio
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Impact: Likelihood of meaningful benefits to human healthspan
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Team: Aspiration and capability to pursue commercialization
Applications must be submitted through the online application form. Complete entries received by the deadline will be considered under the published terms and conditions.
Applications must be submitted through the online application form. Complete entries received by the deadline will be considered under the published terms and conditions.
