Erdős-Rényi Prize

Aim and Criteria

The Erdős–Rényi Prize is awarded each year to a selected young scientist (under 40 years old on the day of the nomination deadline) for their research achievements in the area of network science, broadly construed. While the achievements can be both theoretical and experimental, the prize is aimed at emphasizing outstanding contributions relevant to the interdisciplinary progress of network science.

Award and Ceremony

The Erdős–Rényi Prize will be awarded to a single scientist meeting the criteria above. The prize consists of a cash award in the amount of US $3,000, a personalized plaque and the honor of a lecture at the NetSci International School and Conference on Network Science, which is the annual flagship conference of the society. The prize awarding ceremony and lecture will take place in a special session at the Conference portion of the meeting. Attending the award ceremony is binding for the prize assignment (travel expenses to the award ceremony will be covered by the Network Science Society).

Nomination and nomination material

The awardee will be selected among the candidacies received by the deadline. Each candidacy must be submitted by one nominator, who should provide a short letter of motivation co-signed by two co-nominators. Self-candidatures will not be accepted. Nominators and co-nominators of a candidature can be:

• Directors and research leaders of national and international research centers
• University professors
• Partners and members of Scientific Academies

The nominator is required to submit the candidature dossier including the following:

• Letter of motivation signed by the nominator and co-nominators, which should include a proposed citation of no more than 30 words.
• Candidate’s curriculum vitae, including date of birth.
• List of scientific publications related to the candidate’s research activities in the area of network science.

All materials must be in English, and all the materials in the nomination package should be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted  via the online form (link below). Separate recommendation letters and other items not listed above will not be considered.

Selection

The prize recipient will be selected by the Scientific Committee appointed by the Executive Committee of the Network Science Society and composed of a minimum of 4 prominent scientists active in the area of network science. Their name will be made public only after the official communication of the prize recipient.

Submission Process, Deadlines, and Decisions

Submission Process (updated): The Network Science Society is transitioning from email-based submissions to an online form system. Going forward, nominators should submit intent-to-nominate information and complete nomination packets using the appropriate online forms below.

Deadlines

• Submit the Intent to Nominate Form by February 1, 2026 (optional but strongly recommended)
• Submit the Nomination Packet Submission Form by March 1, 2026.

Nomination materials submitted by email to ErdosRenyiPrize@gmail.com on or before January 31, 2026 will also be reviewed. New nominations should be submitted using the online forms.

Decisions are expected to be communicated in April.

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