The Chrysalis Prize
The Chrysalis Prize identifies exceptional early-career talent and provides laureates with a combination of resources and long-term intellectual fellowship. The Prize focuses initially on archaeology, evolutionary biology, and philosophy, all fields which explore the deep foundations of what it means to be human.
​
We are omnivores as it relates to searching for talented people doing groundbreaking work, and we are particularly drawn to individuals who are comfortable working across disciplines. In time, we will also select individuals from other fields, both inside and outside of academia while maintaining the highest standard of peer validation.
​
Each Chrysalis Prize provides $250,000 per individual. Prizes are awarded with few attached strings, and do not require extensive deliverables or reports. Our only requirement is that awardees attend the annual award ceremony and participate in helping build a long-term cohort of exceptional yeastiness.
​
Read about our laureates here.
​
We do not accept solicitations for candidates; institutions are not eligible.
Process
The Chrysalis Prize is an annual award that begins with identifying exceptionally talented professors and senior academics who are recognized leaders in our chosen disciplines who become our Nominators. These scholars voluntarily contribute time and energy to survey the landscape and nominate candidates who meet our exacting criteria.
After a comprehensive process, our Selection Committee identifies three finalists in each discipline: archaeology, evolutionary biology, and philosophy. The Selection Committee ultimately chooses one winner in each field. The Chrysalis Prize winners are introduced at an annual celebration each spring.