About this opportunity
This is an essay competition for early career scientists working in a field related to artificial intelligence, run by the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute together with Science. The prize page states that the 2027 application cycle is open through December 13th.
The top award is a USD 30,000 Grand Prize, with publication of the winning essay in Science in print and online, a 5-year digital subscription to Science and travel to the awards ceremony. Up to two runners-up may be named, each carrying a USD 10,000 award, essay publication on Science online and the same 5-year digital subscription.
The conditions are specific about career stage rather than nationality. Entrants must hold an M.
D. , Ph.
D. or M.
D. /Ph.
D. at the time of entry and have received that degree within the last 10 years, with documented maternity or other parental and medical leave extensions available.
You submit a research essay plus up to two recent relevant publications, at least one of which must have appeared in a peer-reviewed journal within the previous three calendar years. The prize page states no country restriction, so researchers based in Nigeria and other African countries can enter.
That makes the real filter the strength of the essay and the recency of your degree, not where you work.
What you receive
- A USD 30,000 Grand Prize award
- Publication of the winning essay in Science in print and online
- A 5-year digital subscription to Science
- Travel to the awards ceremony for the Grand Prize
- Up to two runner-up awards of USD 10,000 each, with essay publication on Science online and a 5-year digital subscription to Science
Who can apply
- Early career scientists in a field related to artificial intelligence
- An M.D., Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. held at the time of entry
- That degree received within the last 10 years, with documented maternity or other parental and medical leave extensions available
- A research essay plus up to two recent relevant publications
- At least one of those publications appearing in a peer-reviewed journal within the previous three calendar years
- The prize page states no country restriction, so researchers based in Nigeria and other African countries can enter
Who should not apply
- Entrants whose qualifying degree was received more than 10 years ago do not meet the stated condition, apart from documented maternity, other parental or medical leave extensions
- Submissions with no publication that appeared in a peer-reviewed journal within the previous three calendar years do not meet the stated requirement
Documents to prepare
- A research essay on AI accelerated research
- Up to two recent relevant publications
- Proof of an M.D., Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. held at the time of entry
- Documentation for any maternity, parental or medical leave extension claimed against the 10 year condition
How to apply
- Open the Chen Institute prize page for AI accelerated research
- Confirm your degree and the ten year window, and gather up to two recent relevant publications
- Prepare the research essay with at least one publication from a peer-reviewed journal within the previous three calendar years
- Submit the entry through the route on the prize page before 13 December 2026
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
How much is the prize?
The Grand Prize carries a USD 30,000 award. Up to two runners-up may each be awarded USD 10,000.
Is the prize open to African researchers?
Yes. The prize page states no country restriction, so early career scientists based in Nigeria and other African countries can enter, provided they meet the degree and publication conditions.
What do I submit?
A research essay plus up to two recent relevant publications, at least one of which must have appeared in a peer-reviewed journal within the previous three calendar years.
When does the 2027 cycle close?
On 13 December 2026, stated on the prize page as the 2027 application cycle being open through December 13th.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
