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The Shaw Prize Expands its Horizons with a New Computer Science Award

On January 28, 2026, the Shaw Prize Foundation made a momentous announcement regarding the expansion of its prestigious awards by introducing a new category specifically for Computer Science. This marks the first substantial addition to the Shaw Prize's scope in over two decades, acknowledging the pivotal role that computer science plays in shaping our modern world.

Since its inception by the late Hong Kong media magnate Run Run Shaw in 2002, the Shaw Prize has honored over 110 distinguished individuals in fields such as astronomy, biomedical sciences, medicine, and mathematics. The introduction of the Computer Science award aims to celebrate groundbreaking achievements in a discipline that profoundly influences every aspect of life and research.

During a press conference held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, over 100 guests from academia, media, and other sectors gathered to witness this significant announcement. Dr. Raymond Chan, Chairman of the Shaw Prize Foundation, opened the event with remarks highlighting the transformative impact of technology on human life. He emphasized that the commitment of the Shaw Prize to recognize outstanding accomplishments continues to flourish. "Computer science is rife with audacious questions that push human thought to new boundaries," Dr. Chan stated, referring to the expansion as a natural evolution of Mr. Shaw's vision.

Professor Kenneth Young, Chairman of the Shaw Prize Council and Vice-Chair of the selection committee, noted that the new award for Computer Science will be conferred alongside the three existing prizes, adhering to the same administrative and selection guidelines. It will also offer the same prize amount of $1.2 million, maintaining the high standards associated with the Shaw Prize.

Leading this initiative is Professor Tony Chan, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Shaw Prize in Computer Science. He expressed his honor in spearheading efforts that brought together world-class experts to define the scope and guiding principles of the new prize. Furthermore, Professor Jennifer Chayes, Dean of the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasized the significance of computer science as a fundamental intellectual discipline, akin to the other core sciences recognized by the Shaw Prize.

As the nomination phase for candidates will open from September to November 2026, Professor Chayes invited experts in the field to nominate deserving candidates for the inaugural award. The first recipients of the Shaw Prize in Computer Science will be announced in Spring 2027 alongside winners from the other three categories.

With this new expansion, the Shaw Prize Foundation recognizes not only the profound impact of computer science on society but also its ongoing evolution as a critical field of study. This move is expected to inspire further advancements in technology and computer science while honoring those who contribute significantly to its evolution. The introduction of this award underscores the Foundation's commitment to celebrating innovation and excellence in the Sciences, ultimately benefiting humanity as a whole.

Overall, the establishment of the Shaw Prize for Computer Science serves as a pivotal recognition of a rapidly evolving discipline, ensuring that the contributions of computer scientists are formally celebrated and acknowledged in line with their immense impact on the contemporary world.