Deadline: February 20, 2026
The Royal Society Milner Award and Lecture 2026 is a prestigious European award that recognises exceptional achievements in computer science. Designed to celebrate researchers whose work has made a significant impact and demonstrates outstanding promise for the future, this award is one of the most respected honours in the field.
Below is a complete, well-structured overview of the Royal Society Milner Award and Lecture 2026, covering eligibility, benefits, timelines, and application details.
About the Royal Society Milner Award and Lecture 2026
The Royal Society Milner Award and Lecture 2026 honours outstanding contributions to computer science by a European researcher. The award recognises sustained excellence, innovation, and influence in advancing knowledge, technology, or applications within the discipline.
In addition to international recognition, the awardee is invited to deliver a prestigious lecture hosted by the Royal Society, providing a platform to share their work with a global scientific audience.
Award Benefits
Recipients of the Royal Society Milner Award and Lecture 2026 will receive:
- A bronze medal
- A cash prize of £5,000
- An invitation to deliver an official Royal Society lecture
These benefits highlight both professional recognition and tangible support for research excellence.
Key Dates
Applicants and nominators should take note of the following timeline:
- Nominations open: 1 December 2025
- Nomination deadline: 20 February 2026
- Announcement of winner: 31 August 2026
Early preparation is encouraged to ensure all nomination materials are completed and submitted on time.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Royal Society Milner Award and Lecture 2026, nominees must meet all of the following requirements:
- Must be European citizens or have been resident in Europe for at least 12 months
- Must be actively engaged in their research career (not retired from the role for which they are nominated)
- Must not be employed by Microsoft or its subsidiaries, either full-time or part-time
- Must not have had any remunerative relationship with Microsoft in the 12 months preceding the nomination
There are no formal restrictions on career stage, allowing both emerging and established researchers to be nominated based on merit and impact.
Fields of Recognition
The award is open to all areas of computer science, including but not limited to:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Computational theory
- Natural language processing
- Cryptography and security
- Human-computer interaction
- Systems, networks, and software engineering
The focus is on work that has shaped the discipline and shows potential for continued influence.
Nomination and Selection Process
Nominations are submitted through the Royal Society’s official nomination system. A complete nomination typically includes:
- A nomination form
- A detailed curriculum vitae of the nominee
- Supporting statements or evidence demonstrating research excellence and impact
All nominations are assessed through a rigorous peer-review process to ensure fairness and academic integrity.
Why Apply for the Royal Society Milner Award and Lecture 2026?
The Royal Society Milner Award and Lecture 2026 offers unmatched visibility within the international research community. It not only acknowledges past achievements but also highlights future potential, making it a powerful career-defining honour for computer science researchers across Europe.
The award strengthens professional reputation, expands academic networks, and showcases groundbreaking research at the highest level.
Application Links
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