The Dream Biology Award welcomes visionary proposals across the full spectrum of modern biological research. The scope is intentionally broad to encourage interdisciplinary thinking and cross-field innovation.
Indicative Research Areas (including, but not limited to):
The Dream Biology Award is an open international competition.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
No institutional nomination is required.
Eligible scientists may apply directly and independently from any country worldwide.
Applicants must submit their proposal through the official application system by July 31, 2026. The proposal must clearly describe the applicant’s long-term scientific vision, its conceptual framework, and its anticipated impact on the biological sciences. Preliminary results are not required. Submissions must be original and prepared in English.
Each Contest entry (‘Application’) must include the following:
Incomplete, late, or non-compliant applications may be excluded from evaluation at the discretion of the organizer.
During October, the DBA Scientific Committee will shortlist five finalists, who will be invited to present their projects in person at the final session, where the Committee will select the DBA Laureate.
The final stage of the competition takes place in Prague, Czech Republic, on December 3-4, 2026. Five selected finalists are invited to present their scientific vision in person at IOCB Prague.
During the two-day event, finalists will:
The finals are designed as an intellectually stimulating and prestigious gathering that celebrates visionary science, interdisciplinary exchange, and the future of biological research.
Travel and accommodation for finalists will be provided by the organizer.
The DBA Laureate will be awarded a unique Dream Biology Award trophy, a commemorative diploma, and a cash prize of 10 000 EUR.
The finalists receive a Dream Biology Top 5 Prize, a commemorative diploma, and a cash prize of 1 000 EUR.
For details, please see competition Terms and Conditions 2026.
