Nomination Process & Timing

Inaugural Prize (2027)

Our first prize cycle runs on a shortened timeline. Winners for the 2027 award will be selected from a pool of invited nominations rather than an open call. If you’d like to suggest a candidate for consideration, see Contact.

Future Cycles (Beginning 2028)

Starting with the 2028 award, nominations will open to the community on an annual cycle: January 1 – February 28/29, nominations open. March 1 – May 15, initial screening by UC Berkeley faculty and students. May 16 – July 31, technical evaluation by the advisory committee, narrowed to a shortlist. August 1 – October 15, expanded nomination packages prepared for shortlisted candidates. October 16 – January 31, selection committee deliberations. March, winner notification and announcement. May, award ceremony at UC Berkeley.

What a Nomination Includes

Initial nomination (all entries): a 1–2 page nomination form, a brief description of the instrumentation, evidence of impact, peer-review status, and nominee name, short CV, and current institution.

Expanded nomination (shortlisted candidates only): a cover letter describing the innovation and its impact, a technical description of the instrument (3–5 pages), evidence of impact (publications enabled, adoption, etc.), three letters of support from independent researchers who have used or benefited from the innovation, and CV(s) of the nominee(s).