The RSC FIRST Award provides support and recognition to outstanding early-career researchers in the field of chemistry and related areas. Applications for the 2026 award are now open till ********** 2026.

One award will be presented at every RSC FIRST conference, honouring one scientist working in the field where that year’s conference focuses on. The award recipient will be presented with a cash prize of CNY 10,000 as well as an award certificate. The award recipient will be invited to receive his/her prize and deliver his/her award lecture at the associated RSC FIRST conference.

Eligibility

The 2026 RSC FIRST Award will be presented to an early-career researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of AI in Chemistry. To be eligible for this year’s award, candidates should meet the following criteria:

⦿   Demonstrate sustained excellence in AI in Chemistry and related research, with a track record of impactful contributions

⦿   Be an independent research leader (PhD students, postdoctoral researchers are not eligible)

⦿   Hold a PhD and either：

• Be 35 years of age or younger in the year of application, or
• Have no more than 8 years of post-PhD research experience, accounting for any career breaks

Selection

All eligible candidates will be assessed by a judging panel made up of the conference organizing committee and relevant experts in the field. Any members with a conflict of interest will be ineligible for the judging panel.

Award decisions will be based on the candidate’s scientific excellence, research independence and their potential to shape the future of chemistry. Moreover, the judging panel will use information provided on the candidate’s broader contribution to the chemistry community as an additional criterion.

Please note:

⦿   The award will only be granted if the recipient attends RSC FIRST 2026 (this conference) in person to accept the award and give their lecture

⦿   The judging panel reserves the right not to make an award if no suitable candidates are identified

⦿   Applicant Information Form Template <Click to Download>