NUS Computing Launches Inaugural Ascent Prize to Recognise the World’s Rising Computing Scholars

NUS Computing Launches Inaugural Ascent Prize to Recognise the World’s Rising Computing Scholars
The global award identifies exceptional early-career researchers and brings them to Singapore for a programme of research exchange, mentorship and community building.

With the launch of the NUS Computing Ascent Prize, the School of Computing at the National University of Singapore is creating a dedicated platform to find and celebrate these individuals on the global stage.

The Ascent Prize is an international award that recognises outstanding early-career computing scholars whose work shows originality, depth and the potential for lasting impact. In its inaugural edition, awardees will be named NUS Computing Ascent Fellows and invited to Singapore for a curated two-day programme that goes well beyond a ceremony – encompassing research talks, faculty meetings, lab visits and networking with the NUS Computing community.

Who the Prize Is For 

The Ascent Prize is open to early-career researchers from leading universities, research institutes and industrial research labs worldwide. Eligible nominees include senior PhD students expected to graduate in 2026 or 2027, as well as postdoctoral researchers and research scientists within three years of their PhD award (excluding approved parental leave).

Nominations can be submitted by faculty members from recognised institutions. Self-nominations are also accepted, provided they include a reference letter from a nominator and a complete submission package.

How Fellows Are Selected

Final selections will be made by a panel of distinguished leaders from academia and research. The panel will assess nominees on three core criteria: the originality and vision of their research, its potential for real-life impact, and the nominee’s promise as a future research leader.

What Fellows Receive

Selected Fellows will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore, including return airfare and hotel accommodation. They will be formally recognised at the Ascent Gala and Award Ceremony, featured on NUS Computing’s website and social media channels, and welcomed into a growing global network of Ascent Fellows with ongoing invitations to major NUS Computing events.

Beyond the programme itself, the Prize opens doors to deeper engagement with NUS Computing – including opportunities to explore potential future roles and collaborations within the School. Fellows will also gain access to NUS Computing’s extensive network of industry partners, creating pathways for research translation and cross-sector collaboration.

Key Dates

Nominations are now open and will close on 15 June 2026. Awardees will be announced in October 2026, with the Ascent Symposium and Gala Dinner taking place in Singapore in January 2027.

All dates remain subject to final confirmation.

Nominate a Rising Scholar

The nomination window is now open. Faculty members and researchers who know an exceptional early-career scholar are encouraged to submit a nomination.

For full details on eligibility, selection criteria and the nomination form, visit comp.nus.edu.sg/research/nus-computing-ascent-prize.