Topic: organisms

Recognises original chemistry advancing probes of biological function in cells or organisms, including biomolecules, pathways and disease mechanisms. The award provides USD 250,000, a medal and a certificate. Nominations close 3 December 2026.

Organisms face challenges to survival throughout life. When we freeze or flee in danger, we often feel fear. Tracing the deep history of danger gives a different perspective. The first cells living billions of years ago had to detect and respond to danger in order to survive. Life is about not being dead, and behavior is a major way that organisms hold death off. Although behavior does not require a nervous system, complex organisms have brain circuits for detecting and responding to danger, the deep roots of which go back to the first cells. But these circuits do not make fear, and fear is no