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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Named in honor of Carl R. Woese, who discovered Archaea, the third domain of life.

Honor Woese's Legacy

As the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Archaea approaches, the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will award the Carl R. Woese Prize in Evolution to commemorate one of the most profound scientific achievements in modern history. This honor will recognize the enduring legacy of Carl Woese whose seminal discoveries transformed our understanding of life's evolution on Earth.

 

Advance Ongoing Discovery in the Field

Woese's discovery remains one of the 20th century’s landmark achievements in biology, and a cornerstone for the growing understanding of life's evolution. The Woese Prize will celebrate lifelong achievement of a scientist whose work continues to expand the frontiers of evolutionary science. A living scientist will be internationally recognized for discoveries that advance our understanding of evolution and its underlying mechanisms. Areas of inquiry may include: Origin of Life, Biology and Evolution of Archaea, Horizontal Gene Transfer, RNA Biology & Evolution or related fields.

 

How to Nominate

For awards nominations, please submit the following materials in a single PDF by November 15, 2026:

  • A letter from the nominator describing the candidate's work and why the nominee should be selected for the award. No more than three (3) pages.

  • Curriculum vitae.

  • Bibliography listing ten (10) of the nominee's most significant publications.

  • Two letters of support. Letters of support must be written by someone outside of the primary work institution as the nominee.