The award is intended for young scientists in every academic domain at the beginning of their careers. “An award like this can make that extra difference, and it looks good on your CV of course,” according to a KNAW spokesman. There are relatively few scholarships for young scientists; they can submit a Veni grant application to the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), or apply for a Rubicon grant for research at a foreign institute. Young scientists can also apply for several European scholarships.

The KNAW will present a maximum of twelve Early Career Awards each year. The prize money is made available from the Academy Fund. The money may be spent at the discretion of the winners, as long as it is to the benefit of their careers. They may, for example, use the money to pay for research equipment, or for travelling abroad.

To be eligible for the award, researchers must have obtained their PhD no longer than seven years ago and must hold a position at a Dutch university or a Dutch research institute. Full professors, directors of Dutch research institutes, and members of the KNAW and the Young Academy may nominate one candidate per domain. The winners will be announced next year.