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Gruber Prizes
The Gruber Foundation invites nominations on behalf of individuals whose achievements in Cosmology, Genetics, or Neuroscience would make them suitable candidates for recognition through the 2027 Gruber International Prize Program. Each prize, which is accompanied by a $500,000 unrestricted monetary award, is designed both to recognize groundbreaking work in each field and to inspire additional efforts that effect fundamental shifts in knowledge and culture.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Cosmology Prize: have produced fundamental, advances in our understanding of the structure and evolution of the universe.
- Genetics Prize: made original discoveries in the fields of genetic function, regulation, transmission, or variation or in genomic organization.
- Neuroscience Prize: have conducted highly distinguished research in the field of the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system.
Note: Self nominations will not be accepted.
Nomination Process
Cosmology Prize
A complete nomination includes:
- Nomination Form:
- Nominee information
- Up to 5 publications that exemplify the nominee's contributions to Cosmology
- Cover letter explaoining what the nominee has done and why it is important (maximum 1,000 words)
- Nominator information
- Current CV without a full list of publications
- Letters of Support:
- one letter of support from an individual outside of the nominee’s own institution or research group (this must be from someone other than the nominator)
Genetics Prize
A complete nomination includes:
- Nomination Form:
- Nominee information
- Major Publications
- Scientific Achievements (maximum 250 words)
- Relation to others in the field (maximum 250 words, discuss the nominee in relation to others in her/his field and specifically address other scientists who might be considered along with the nominee or should not be so considered)
- Nominator information
- Current CV without a full list of publications
- Letters of Support:
- one letter of support from an individual outside of the nominee’s own institution or research group (this must be from someone other than the nominator)
Neuroscience Prize
A complete nomination includes:
- Nomination Form:
- Nominee information
- Up to 12 key journal reference that illustrate the nominee's contributions
- Importance of nomination and context of nominee's work within the field (maximum 1,000 words)
- Scientific Achievements, including reason for nomination (maximum 250 words)
- Nominator information
- Current CV without a full list of publications
- Letters of Support:
- Neuroscience Prize: up to two letters of support are welcome, but not required
Institutional Coordination & Support
Nominations supported by Awards & Distinctions will receive the following:
- Assistance with identifying suitable referees.
- Support for developing all written materials, and providing feedback and review (including access to templates, frameworks, and other resources).
- Assistance with navigating and completing required forms and documents.
- Document management: collecting and compiling all letters, forms, and written documents for submission to the Gruber Foundation.
EDID Supports
Western Research offers support and resources for knowledge mobilization, Indigenous Research, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or request additional support. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact Western Research early for determination and support.
Submission
The nomination is completed and submitted through an online form.
Deadline(s)
| Date | Required Steps |
|---|---|
|
August 18, 2026 |
Notice of Intent to Apply – email the Awards & Distinctions Team if you wish to have Research Awards & Distinctions support and coordination of your application. |
|
December 1, 2026 |
If you are receiving institutional coordination and support on your nomination, submit drafts (Word version) of all of your required nomination documents noted above to the Awards & Distinctions Team. |
|
December 15, 2026 |
Nomination submission deadline through the online portal. |
Contact Us
Potential nominators and nominees are encouraged to contact Research Awards & Distinctions at rwprizes@uwo.ca regarding Western Research support and coordination of your nomination.