Nature Awards and Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) BCG X AI Science Institute have announced the first recipients of the AI for Discovery Award, recognizing four researchers applying artificial intelligence (AI) to scientific research across healthcare, sustainability, energy, and manufacturing. The winners were announced at a ceremony in London.
Launched by Nature Awards in partnership with the BCG X AI Science Institute, the global award recognizes researchers using AI to address societal challenges through scientific discovery, with an emphasis on responsible applications of the technology.
The 2026 recipients are Michael Skinnider of Princeton University in the Health and Life Sciences category; Kevin Jablonka of Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Energy, Environment and Agriculture; Yang Chai of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Industry, Infrastructure and Manufacturing; and Houriiyah Tegally of CERI and Stellenbosch University in Health and Life Sciences.
Skinnider's research uses AI to identify previously unknown molecules in the human body, with potential applications in identifying disease markers and targets for future treatments. Jablonka applies AI to combine experimental findings with scientific literature, helping researchers analyze complex chemical and materials data to support scientific discovery.
Chai is developing sensors that process information using AI directly within devices, enabling faster, more efficient real-time sensing. Tegally combines AI with genomic, epidemiological, and climate data to improve infectious disease surveillance and outbreak forecasting.
The four projects demonstrate applications of AI and machine learning across scientific disciplines, including disease research, materials science, and sensor technology.
Each winner will receive a development grant of US$10,000 to support the next stage of their research. They will also have access to customized virtual training delivered by experts from the BCG X AI Science Institute.
The AI for Discovery Award is part of Nature Awards' efforts to recognize scientific research and its practical applications. Its launch also reflects Springer Nature's focus on supporting the research community in exploring responsible AI applications to advance scientific discovery, collaboration, and knowledge development.
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