The Shaw Prize in Computer Science: Nominations Now Open
By The Shaw Prize on
This year marks a historic moment for the computer science community. For the first time, the Shaw Prize added a new prize in Computer Science, in addition to its existing three prize categories. As the nomination period begins, you are encouraged to consider the individuals whose achievements exemplify the innovation and rigour that define the field and submit a nomination before 30 November 2026.
How can I nominate for the Shaw Prize in Computer Science?
The nomination shall be submitted through the Shaw Prize online system. Details of the proposed candidate(s) and supporting documentation will be required as part of the nomination process.
Visit the Shaw Prize’s website to learn more about how to submit a nomination: https://www.shawprize.org/en/nomination
Who will review my nomination?
All valid nominations will be reviewed by the Selection Committee, chaired by Professor Jennifer Chayes (Dean of the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society, University of California, Berkeley) with seven members from diverse regions and possessing comprehensive backgrounds, including four Turing Award winners.
Upon review, the Selection Committee will select the most suitable and worthy nominee(s) of the year and recommend to the Council through the Board of Adjudicators, currently chaired by Professor Reinhard Genzel, 2008 Shaw Laureate in Astronomy and 2020 Nobel Laureate in Physics.
The Council will consider the proposal of the Selection Committee and announce its final decision.
When will the result be announced?
The first Laureate(s) will be announced at the press conference to be held in May/June 2027, alongside the Laureates of the other three prize categories. Laureates will come to Hong Kong to receive the prize at the Award Presentation Ceremony in autumn 2027.
Your nomination matters
We value every submission from our nominators. Strong candidates will be instrumental in the prize selection process and shape the legacy of this inaugural prize. The Selection Committee invites the global computer science community to submit nominations for the award.
The success of the Shaw Prize depends crucially on getting good nominees. We depend on good nominations from all of you, says Professor Tony Chan (former President, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Professor Emeritus, University of California, Los Angeles), a member of the Selection Committee, in the calling for nominations.
It is essential that we computer scientists nominate our most talented and renowned colleagues, who are deserving candidates of this tremendous prize, emphasises Professor Jennifer Chayes, Chair of the Selection Committee.
The deadline for submissions is 30 November 2026. Please act now and submit your nomination.
Watch the messages from the Selection Committee:
About the Shaw Prize
Founded by Hong Kong media mogul and philanthropist Run Run Shaw, the Shaw Prize consists of four annual prizes — Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences, awarded since 2004, together with the newly introduced prize in Computer Science, to be awarded from 2027. Each prize bears a monetary award of US$1.2 million. Many Shaw Laureates achieved key milestones in their careers with the Shaw Prize as a precursor to awards such as the Nobel and Abel Prizes.
