London, 25th February 2026 | Nature Awards has partnered with the BCG X AI Science Institute, a dedicated team within BCG X that uses AI to advance scientific research and discovery, to launch AI for Discovery, a new award celebrating research teams using AI and machine learning to accelerate solutions to major global challenges.
AI is reshaping how science happens. Across sectors, it’s speeding up discovery, opening new possibilities and enabling researchers to address urgent problems with greater precision and scale. Reflecting this shift, the award will highlight work across three key areas: health, sustainability and manufacturing.
Speaking on the new award, Richard Hughes, VP Publishing, Nature, commented:
“Researchers today are navigating an extraordinary moment, as advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning rapidly reshape what’s possible in science. We’re excited to partner with the BCG X AI Science Institute to support the teams accelerating discovery through these technologies, and we look forward to receiving applications from research groups worldwide.”
“Partnering with Nature Awards allows the BCG X AI Science Institute the opportunity to stand alongside researchers who are changing how science is done,” said Adi Zolotov, managing director and partner at BCG and global leader of the BCG X AI Science Institute. “AI is opening entirely new ways to explore complex problems, but translating those breakthroughs into real-world impact is still incredibly hard. We want to help close that gap, bringing together scientific rigor and industry insight so these hypotheses can truly make a difference.”
Applications for the AI for Discovery award are now open. Eligible research teams are encouraged to submit their work for consideration in this inaugural 2026 cycle. Four finalists, chosen by an independent panel of judges, will be announced in November. Each will receive a $10,000 development grant and access to an online training programme delivered by BCG X AI Science Institute consultants. Of the four, one overall winner will also receive tailored coaching from BCG X experts to help shape their research strategy and scale their impact.
This new award is part of the wider Nature Awards portfolio, which celebrates scientific excellence and helps amplify the real-world impact of research. It reflects Springer Nature’s ongoing commitment to supporting the global research community as it explores how AI can accelerate discovery, strengthen collaboration and responsibly advance knowledge. For more information refer to https://www.nature.com/immersive/aifordiscovery/index.html.
Application deadline: 27th May 2026, 11:59 pm UTC 00:00
Press Contact
Hanna Berndt
Corporate Affairs
Springer Nature
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