Stephenson Global Prize

A $1 million annual award, honoring innovative contributions in scientific discovery.

The Stephenson Global Prize of $1 million is the largest privately funded award and most prestigious initiative recognizing past and current achievements that have significantly advanced pancreatic cancer research. By honoring innovative contributions in prevention, early detection, treatment, and scientific discovery, the prize celebrates transformative progress and fosters continued collaboration among researchers to improve patient outcomes and drive future breakthroughs.

Nominations for the 2026 Stephenson Global Prize are open!

Submit a nomination

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nomination-Based: The Stephenson Global Prize is awarded through a nomination process. Each nominator may submit only one nominee (additional information available in FAQs) and self-nominations will not be accepted. Nominations must be submitted by peers, institutions or professional organizations familiar with the nominee’s contributions to pancreatic cancer research.
  • Significant Contributions: Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding achievements in pancreatic cancer research, including early detection, innovative treatments or scientific advancements that have substantially impacted the field.
  • Global Reach: The global prize is open to researchers worldwide, emphasizing work with global implications or the potential to benefit patients across diverse populations.
  • Professional Distinction and Evidence of Excellence: Nominees should be established leaders in their field, holding advanced degrees (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) or equivalent accomplishments that demonstrate expertise and leadership in pancreatic cancer research. The nominees should have clear evidence of their significant contributions and impact in pancreatic cancer research and advancements.
  • Collaborative and Transformative Impact: Priority is given to nominees whose work exemplifies interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative approaches and transformative outcomes addressing critical challenges in pancreatic cancer.
  • Ethical Standards: Nominees must have conducted their work in compliance with applicable ethical research standards and global best practices for research integrity. To ensure a fair and unbiased selection process, nominators and applicants should not contact members of the Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB) regarding their submissions. Any direct outreach may compromise the integrity of the process and could result in disqualification.
  • Unrestricted Use of Funds: The global prize recognizes past achievements, and laureates may use the $1 million award at their discretion, without restrictions, to support their ongoing professional work.
  • Requirements: Two-page nomination letter and three letters of support (one page each), using a font size of no less than 10-point in a standard, easily readable font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri), with 1-inch margins. Deadline for nominations is May 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Inaugural Prize has been awarded!

In September 2025, the inaugural Stephenson Global Prize was awarded to Dr. Frank McCormick, a pioneering scientist whose discoveries have transformed the understanding of RAS-driven cancers. As the pinnacle recognition of innovation in pancreatic cancer research, the Stephenson Global Prize celebrates a lifetime of achievement by scientists whose discoveries have redefined the field and whose life’s work continues to inspire breakthroughs that can save lives worldwide.

See all Inaugural Recipients

Frequently Asked Questions about the Stephenson Global Prize

Does the global prize consider international nominations?

Yes, the global prize is open to all members of the scientific community in the pancreatic cancer research domain around the globe.

No, we ask that each individual submit and/or support only one nominee each cycle. This is an annual global prize and there will be opportunity to nominate others in future cycles.

No, an individual or team cannot win the Stephenson Global Prize more than once.

Please consult with your tax advisor and specific country/county tax requirements for personalized guidance.

  • Individual Nomination: Recognizes a single person for their outstanding contributions to pancreatic cancer research. Their achievements, leadership, and impact will be evaluated based on their unique work, even if they have collaborated with a team.
  • Team Nomination: Recognizes a group of individuals (maximum of 3) who have worked collectively on a research project, discovery, or initiative. The award is attributed to the team as a whole, with a designated team leader serving as the primary point of contact.
  • If you are nominating an individual: Under the Nominee Contact Information form section, please provide their full name, degree, contact information, and institution in the designated fields and upload the pdf file.
  • If you are nominating a team (maximum of three individuals): Under the Nominee Contact Information form section, please provide the team name [in the first name field] along with the full name of the team leader [in the last name field] who will represent the group. Additionally, include the names, roles, and contributions of other key team leaders in the pdf file. Please note that a team will include a maximum of three individuals who have made outstanding contributions to pancreatic cancer research.
  • All nominations, whether for an individual or a team, must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the nomination guidelines.