Serendipity Awards

The Serendipity Awards are prestigious honors conferred annually to celebrate and encourage groundbreaking research that reflects the spirit of serendipity in science. Each year, the awards are presented to two outstanding recipients, which may be either individual young researchers or teams of early-career scientists, who are recognized for either (1) making unexpected yet impactful scientific discoveries or (2) creating novel tools and technologies that enhance the potential for serendipitous breakthroughs.The selection process is rigorous and merit-based, involving a careful review and evaluation of publications produced by Serendipity Lab members during the relevant calendar year. This evaluation is conducted by the directors of the Serendipity Lab, who assess the originality, scientific merit, and potential impact of each contribution in the context of serendipitous discovery or innovation.The awardees are formally announced at the Serendipity Symposium, the Lab’s annual flagship event that brings together researchers across disciplines to celebrate creativity, chance, and collaboration in science. During the symposium, recipients are recognized in a dedicated award ceremony, where they receive a commemorative certificate and a cash prize of $200 in recognition of their achievements.By honoring these exceptional contributions, the Serendipity Awards aim to foster a culture of openness, curiosity, and cross-disciplinary exploration—hallmarks of transformative research.