The Xplorer Prize, one of China's most generous scientific funding initiatives for young researchers, began accepting applications for its seventh edition on Jan 1, 2025.

The prize aims to support the nation's most promising scientific minds by providing substantial financial backing and encouraging ambitious, groundbreaking research.

The prize maintains its focus on 10 core scientific disciplines: mathematical physics, chemical new materials, astronomy and geoscience, life sciences, medical sciences, information electronics, energy environment, advanced manufacturing, transportation and construction, and frontier cross-disciplinary research.

A new addition to this year's prize is the "Rising Star" category, offering one award in each discipline specifically for young scientists demonstrating exceptional potential.

With a submission deadline of April 15, 2025, the prize will select up to 50 recipients who will each receive a total of 3 million yuan ($409,200) over five years. This funding comes with no strings attached, allowing awardees to pursue their research interests with maximum flexibility.

Established in 2018, the Xplorer Prize is fully funded by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation and boasts a rigorous selection process led by prominent scientists. It aims to foster future scientific leaders by empowering them to explore bold ideas and challenge conventional thinking. The prize had already supported 297 outstanding young scientists as of the end of 2024.

Applicants for the Xplorer Prize must hold a doctoral degree and maintain full-time employment in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, or Macau, regardless of nationality. Eligibility extends to male researchers aged 45 and under, and female researchers aged 48 and under, as of Jan 1, 2025.

However, the "Rising Star" category further narrows the age bracket to 35 and under for men, and 38 and under for women, recognizing the unique challenges faced by early-career researchers, particularly women, in scientific fields.

Throughout the evaluation process, a strong emphasis is placed on the originality of the proposed research and the applicant's commitment to independent exploration. The selection committee will assess candidates based on the significance of their academic contributions, the innovative nature of their research plans, and the feasibility of their proposed projects.

Applications for the Xplorer Prize are accepted through both expert nomination and open application channels. Interested individuals can find detailed guidelines and submit their applications via the official website (https://xplorerprize.org/). The winners will be announced in the third quarter of 2025, following a thorough review by the independent selection committee.

The New Cornerstone Science Foundation reminds potential applicants that the Xplorer Prize and the New Cornerstone Investigator Program are separate initiatives under its purview. Researchers are eligible to apply for only one of these programs in a given year. Furthermore, recipients of funding from the New Cornerstone Investigator Program are ineligible to apply for the Xplorer Prize in the same year.

Source: Shanghai Observer