“Lombardia è Ricerca” Prize 2026: AI and Big Data for Predictive Medicine

The vast potential of Artificial Intelligence applications and Big Data for predictive medicine is the focus of the 2026 edition of the international “Lombardia è Ricerca” Prize promoted by Regione Lombardia.

This is the theme selected for the €1 million award – one of the most prestigious in the international scientific landscape – which has been presented since 2017 to recognise the most significant scientific contributions worldwide in the field of Life Sciences.

Last year, for example, the international “Lombardia è Ricerca” Prize was jointly awarded to British professors Mark Caulfield and Douglas F. Easton, pioneers in the field of genomic medicine.

The theme of the 2026 edition is set out in the Regulations approved by the Regional Executive, upon proposal of the Regional Minister for Universities, Research and Innovation, Alessandro Fermi.

The document is available for download as an attachment.

The Regulations govern the procedures for submitting applications for the award, which was established as part of the Research Day instituted by Regione Lombardia in memory of the oncologist and researcher Umberto Veronesi.

Research areas highlighted in 2026

The 2026 Prize will therefore be dedicated to innovations or scientific, pharmacological, technological or operational contributions that, as stated in the 2026 Regulations, make it possible to estimate an individual’s risk of developing diseases in asymptomatic subjects, personalise preventive interventions and optimise the allocation of healthcare resources.

Once again, the objective is to promote innovations capable of improving citizens’ life expectancy and quality of life.

Specifically, the areas of interest that will be considered in the selection process are:

• Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and predictive models;
• Genomics, epigenomics and predictive biomarkers;
• Digital health and continuous monitoring.

These are the research fields in which each candidate may submit their contribution.

How to apply, from 2 March

Applications must be submitted exclusively online via this designated platform, from 2 March until 16 June 2026.

To apply, each scientist must submit to the Jury their results in the research areas defined by the 2026 Prize, together with a translational research project related to the theme of the 2026 edition, “aimed at consolidating their research, to be carried out in collaboration with one or more public or private research organisations in Lombardy”.

All scientists and researchers of any nationality listed in the Scopus database with an h-index of at least 50 are eligible to apply (in the case of joint applications, at least one scientist must have an h-index of no less than 50).

Applicants must submit an online dossier structured in three sections: candidate profile, translational research project and letters of endorsement.

Thirty per cent of the international “Lombardia è Ricerca” Prize will be awarded directly to the winning scientist or team (up to a maximum of three candidates are permitted in the case of joint research), while 70 per cent of the Prize will be allocated to Lombardy-based research organisations to implement the translational research project linked to the winning application.

The Jury and the award ceremony on 10 November

The 15 members of the Jury are also selected from the Scopus database on the basis of the highest h-index in the relevant thematic areas. They are joined ex officio by the winners of the 2025 edition of the Prize. The Jury will ensure a rigorous selection process based on originality, scientific impact, innovation and the potential of the proposed research project.

The international “Lombardia è Ricerca” Prize will be awarded by the President of Regione Lombardia, Attilio Fontana, on the occasion of Research Day, established by the Region in memory of the oncologist and researcher Umberto Veronesi. In 2026, Research Day will take place on 10 November.

Fermi: connecting expertise, infrastructure and international vision

“With these Regulations,” emphasised Minister Fermi, “we officially open the new edition of the ‘Lombardia è Ricerca’ Prize, which each year enables us to recognise the talent and dedication of the world’s leading scientists. Predictive medicine based on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data represents an extraordinary frontier, capable of transforming diagnosis, prevention and quality of life. Through this Prize, we intend to support those who are building the future of research and to ensure that this future also passes through Lombardy, by connecting expertise, infrastructure and an international outlook.”