Shaw Prize 2026 Honors Seven Scientists Across Three Fields
The 2026 Shaw Prize has recognized seven scientists for achievements in astronomy, life sciences and medicine, and mathematics. The awards were presented on November 10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
- Seven scientists received the 2026 Shaw Prize across three fields.
- The ceremony took place on November 10 in Hong Kong.
- The laureates highlighted international cooperation in astronomy and medicine.
- A computer science category will join the awards from 2027.
- Nominations for all four prizes are open until November 30.
Seven laureates recognized at Hong Kong ceremony
Five of this year's laureates attended the ceremony in person and received gold medals and certificates from Professor Reinhard Genzel, chairman of the prize jury. The astronomy laureates, Professor Ken'ichi Nomoto and Professor Stanford Woosley, sent prerecorded messages instead.
Nomoto discussed his research on supernovae and the essential role of international cooperation. Woosley described how researchers turned approximate, qualitative theories into precise models capable of making predictions, while thanking his mentors and collaborators.
Medical research highlights long-term international cooperation
Collaboration was also a central theme in remarks from the laureates in life sciences and medicine, whose work has contributed to advances in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Professor Anne Dejean emphasized the continuing dialogue between basic research and clinical practice, supported by decades of scientific exchange between France and China. Professor Hugues de Thé described more than 30 years of collaboration with Professor Zhu Chen, built on mutual respect, trust and continuity. Chen characterized their success as a meeting of East and West and highlighted the collective wisdom behind medical progress. She also pledged to strengthen international partnerships in the fight against other blood cancers.
Mathematicians discuss AI and the future of science
The mathematics laureates addressed the changing role and influence of artificial intelligence. Professor Emmanuel Candès said questions beyond mathematics had inspired his research, including current efforts to make AI more capable and safer.
Professor Camillo De Lellis encouraged young mathematicians to use AI as a tool for unlocking human creativity rather than replacing it. That perspective aligns with the Shaw Prize's planned expansion into computer science. The new prize was announced in January and is intended to recognize the intellectual depth of the field and its contributions to scientific discovery and society.
The Shaw Prize will comprise four annual awards from 2027: astronomy, computer science, life sciences and medicine, and mathematics. Each carries prize money of 1.2 million US dollars. Nominations for all four prizes remain open until November 30, while the 2027 laureates, including the first computer science laureate or laureates, are due to be announced in May or June 2027.
