Takeda has announced the launch of the application cycle for the 2026 Innovators in Science Award, a global initiative that honors early-career researchers advancing biomedical innovation in critical therapeutic areas. The award, originally established in 2016, seeks to recognize scientific excellence among emerging investigators whose work has the potential to transform patient outcomes.
The 2026 cycle will focus on three therapeutic domains: gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, neuroscience, and oncology. One scientist will be selected in each category to receive a $75,000 award. From among these three category winners, a single grand prize recipient will be selected to receive an additional $175,000, bringing the total award for the grand prize winner to $250,000. The announcement of all winners will culminate at a formal awards gala scheduled for April 9, 2026, in Boston.
In addition to monetary support, the program provides structured professional development. All category winners and shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a year-long career advancement initiative coordinated by Nature. The initiative includes training in research communication, grant writing, and laboratory management, as well as access to mentorship networks aimed at supporting long-term professional growth.
Administered by Springer Nature, the award program underscores Takeda’s ongoing commitment to promoting research excellence and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. The review and judging process will be managed independently by Springer Nature, ensuring a rigorous and transparent selection process.
Applications for the 2026 award are now open and will be accepted until September 16, 2025, via the official program website: https://www.innovatorsinscienceaward.com/. Shortlisted candidates will be announced in January 2026, followed by the naming of category winners in February 2026, ahead of the grand prize presentation in April.
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