Nature Awards 与 BCG X AI Science Institute 公布首届 AI for Discovery 奖得主

Four researchers pioneering new ways to use AI across health, sustainability and manufacturing have been named the first winners of the AI for Discovery Award during a ceremony in London. Launched by Nature Awards in partnership with Boston Consulting Group’s BCG X AI Science Institute, this global award provides a platform to recognise researchers who are using AI responsibly to advance solutions to today’s global societal challenges. 

The 2026 winners are:

• Michael Skinnider, Princeton University | Health & Life Sciences, whose research uses AI to identify previously unknown molecules in the human body, with the potential to reveal new markers of disease and targets for future treatments.
• Kevin Jablonka, Friedrich Schiller University Jena | Energy, Environment & Agriculture, who uses AI to bring together experimental results and scientific literature, helping researchers navigate complex chemical and materials data and support new discoveries.
• Yang Chai, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University | Industry, Infrastructure & Manufacturing, who is developing sensors that can process information using AI directly within the device, enabling faster and more efficient real-time sensing.
• Houriiyah Tegally, CERI / Stellenbosch University | Health & Life Sciences, who uses AI alongside genomic, epidemiological and climate data to improve how infectious diseases are monitored and outbreaks forecast.

Together, the winners demonstrate how AI and machine learning are being applied in innovative ways across scientific disciplines. Across fields ranging from health and disease to materials and sensing, the winners highlight how these technologies can accelerate scientific discovery and help tackle real-world challenges.

Speaking of the awards, Harsh Jegadeesan, Chief Publishing Officer at Springer Nature and Chair of the judging panel said:

“These four researchers demonstrate how AI can support scientific discovery when used responsibly. Their work across health, sustainability and manufacturing highlights the breadth of possibilities these technologies are opening for discovery, with the potential to accelerate research and deliver real-world impact. We are delighted to recognise their achievements and support the next stage of their work.”

Adi Zolotov, Managing Director and Partner, and Global Leader of the BCG X AI Science Institute explained, “the most exciting breakthroughs happen when exceptional scientific minds are equipped with entirely new capabilities. These four researchers demonstrate what becomes possible when deep scientific expertise meets the power of AI. Through this award, we want to recognize the pioneers who are redefining scientific discovery and help them take their ideas even further. Their work offers a glimpse into the future of science.” 

Each of the four winners will receive a US$10,000 development grant to support the next phase of their research, alongside bespoke virtual training delivered by BCG X AI Science Institute experts. 

The award builds on Nature Awards’ work to celebrate scientific excellence and amplify the real-world impact of research. Its launch also reflects Springer Nature’s commitment to supporting the global research community as it explores how AI can responsibly accelerate discovery, strengthen collaboration, and advance knowledge.

For more information on the winners and their research, visit the Nature Awards AI for Discovery website.

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