International Award “Lombardy is Research”: Applications Open from 2 March

Applications for the International Award “Lombardy is Research”, promoted by Regione Lombardia, are open from Monday, 2 March 2026. The Award, worth €1 million, recognises the most significant scientific contributions worldwide in the field of Life Sciences.

For the 2026 edition, the Award will be granted to scientific, pharmacological, technological or operational innovations and contributions in the area of “Predictive Medicine based on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data” — a field of research with far-reaching potential impacts on the quality of life of patients and citizens alike.

Contributions may include, by way of example, research in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and predictive models; genomics, epigenomics and predictive biomarkers; as well as digital health and continuous monitoring.

The Initiative

Since its establishment in 2017, the Award has been conferred upon distinguished scientists and researchers, progressively strengthening its international standing.

Last year, it was jointly awarded to the British professors Mark Caulfield and Douglas F. Easton, pioneers in the field of genomic medicine.

The Award Ceremony takes place each November at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, during the Research Day promoted by Regione Lombardia in collaboration with Fondazione Umberto Veronesi ETS, in memory of the oncologist and researcher Umberto Veronesi.

The event represents a significant opportunity for visibility and engagement, bringing together stakeholders, citizens and students to share the value and achievements of scientific research with the widest possible audience, and to reaffirm the central importance of supporting research.

How to Apply

Self-nominations from interested researchers must primarily concern achievements within the research areas identified for the 2026 Award.

Applications must also include a translational research project, aligned with the theme of the 2026 edition, to be carried out in collaboration with one or more public or private research organisations based in Lombardy.

Applications must be submitted exclusively online from 2 March until 16 June 2026 via the official webpage of the International Award “Lombardy is Research”.

Candidates are required to upload a dossier structured in three sections: candidate profile, translational research project, and letters of endorsement.

The International Award “Lombardy is Restarci” is open to all scientists and researchers of any nationality listed in the Scopus database with an h-index of at least 50 (in the case of joint applications, at least one scientist must have an h-index of 50 or above).

The Jury

An international Jury composed of 15 members selected by Scopus on the basis of the highest h-index in the relevant subject areas, together with previous Award winners, will select the most significant innovative contribution from among the applications received by 16 June 2026.

Further information is available on the official webpage of the International Award “Lombardy is Research”, where the Regulations for the 2026 edition and all supporting documentation can also be consulted.