Overview
The AI Exploration Award was officially created by the National Academy of Artificial Intelligence on February 10, 2025, to honor researchers and practitioners whose work seamlessly connects foundational AI theory with transformative real‑world applications.
Objectives and Mission
The Award aims to recognize individuals and teams that have demonstrated exceptional achievements across three dimensions:
Fundamental Research: Pioneering advances in algorithms, models, or theory that significantly push the boundaries of artificial intelligence.
Applied Innovation: Successful translation of AI methods into impactful solutions in healthcare, transportation, environmental science, and other domains.
Ethics and Governance: Leadership in developing frameworks for ethical AI, safety guidelines, and governance policies that ensure responsible development and deployment.
Award Categories
Fundamental Research Prize — For breakthroughs in AI theory, algorithmic design, or mathematical foundations.
Applied Innovation Prize — For exceptional AI applications that address real‑world challenges and deliver measurable social or economic benefits.
Ethics & Governance Prize — For significant contributions to AI ethics, safety, interpretability, and policy development.
Nomination and Selection Process
Open Nomination (January 1 – March 31 annually): Global academic and industry communities may submit nominations through the NAAI website.
Expert Review (April – May): The NAAI Ethics & Awards Committee conducts a technical evaluation and shortlists candidates.
Final Decision (June): The NAAI Board of Directors approves winners, who are announced at the Annual NAAI Summit in July and honored at the Awards Ceremony.
Prize and Recognition
Award Medal and Certificate: A custom-designed medal and official certificate recognizing the recipient’s achievements.
Monetary Grant: USD 50,000 to support ongoing research or implementation efforts.
Publicity: Featured coverage on NAAI publications, website, and social media channels.
Significance and Impact
Inspiring Innovation: Aligns with NAAI’s mission to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate both theoretical and applied AI research.
Elevating Visibility: Positions awardees as global leaders, amplifying their influence among policymakers, academia, and industry.
Setting Benchmarks: Establishes clear excellence standards, serving as role models for emerging AI scholars and practitioners.
For more information about the AI Exploration Award, including nomination details and past recipients, please visit the NAAI website or contact us at secretary@thenaai.org.