GoKawiilThe 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.
Nature Spotlight: Philanthropy and awards
Sundstrom is one of the 12 judges for the Spinoff Prize: a global award open to early-stage university spin-offs, which are companies run by individuals or teams who have effectively turned original research from their university or research institute into products or services. For example, the winner in 2024 was Kevin Braeckmans at Trince, a spin-off from Ghent University, Belgium. Trince developed a technology called LumiPore, which uses laser-heated nanoparticles to enable molecules to enter living cells, for research or therapy, without harming the cells.
As a judge, Sundstrom looks for applicants with a clear plan on how to reach customers. This means getting direct feedback from consumers to understand what they want, rather than just finding statistics online, she says. This strategy is much more likely to result in the creation of a good product.
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