How to impress the Nature Awards judges
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The Inspiring Women in Science award recognizes projects promoting gender equality in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.Credit: Ian Alderman
Outstanding science has the potential to transform the world for the better. The Nature Awards champion projects that are leading the way.
Competition is fierce, with researchers from around the world vying to be recognized by Nature for their scientific excellence. Here, three of the judges share their tips for potential applicants of three award categories in 2026: the Spinoff Prize, which celebrates the success of products or services created by university spin-off companies; Inspiring Women in Science, which recognizes projects promoting gender equality in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with categories for scientific achievement and science outreach; and the Global Grants for Gut Health, which funds projects focused on boosting knowledge about the gut microbiota.
The Nature Awards are sponsored awards that are run independently from sponsors and the publisher.
SUE SUNDSTROM: panel chair, the Spinoff Prize
Sue Sundstrom looks for applicants who know how to understand customers’ needs.
Having worked in private companies and the university sector, Sue Sundstrom uses her commercial background to show academics how to succeed in the business world. As a former head of commercialization and impact development at the University of Bristol, UK, she was pivotal in the creation of the Enterprise Fund, which backs businesses originating from the university. Through her company, Sundstrom Innovation, established in 2019 in Clevedon, UK, she supports scientists with early-stage projects — especially university spin-offs and start-up companies — in securing deals, finding collaborators and scaling up.
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