The ESET Science Award, organized by the ESET Foundation, is dedicated to scientific personalities whose research has a positive impact on society. This year, the award again opens nominations for three categories - Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia, Outstanding Scientist in Slovakia under 35 and Outstanding Academic in Slovakia.

The theme of the current edition in a period of rapid social and technological change and growing geopolitical instability is the Responsibility of Knowledge. "At a time when the world is facing new challenges and tensions, the question of how scientific knowledge is used and the impact it has on society takes on particular importance. The work of scientists, which contributes to the security, resilience and long-term stability of societies while strengthening trust in knowledge and facts, therefore deserves special attention. Today, science is not only expanding the frontiers of knowledge, but is also shaping the world in which we will live. That is why it is important to talk about the responsibility of those who create knowledge, and of society as a whole, for how it is handled.and what values it promotes," explains Lucia Marková, Director of the ESET Foundation, when choosing this year's theme.

Traditionally, the selection of laureates in the scientific categories will be decided by an international jury chaired by a Nobel Prize Laureate. The jury is made up of renowned experts who judge the scientists according to demanding criteria such as current scientific research results, publications, scientometric data, involvement in international projects, creativity, communication and popularisation of science, impact on other areas of life, adherence to the principles of scientific ethics, and feedback from close collaborators or students.

The announcement of the award laureates will take place during the gala ceremony on 15 October 2026.

You can view past award laureates here.