Scientists who wish to participate in the prize can do so through their research institution or university, who have agreed to act as a National Nominating Body (NNB).  The NNB reaches out to the lead scientist of the most promising research articles and invites them to apply by filling out a standard application form, supplied by the Frontiers Research Foundation. 

The lead scientist is the individual appointed by the NNB who best represents the team of the published article, and in the event of being awarded the International Champion title by the Jury of 100, is the individual that will manage the prize money to drive the research project forward. The lead scientist of each application is proposed directly by the NNB. 
 
The NNB then considers each application and sends the top three nominations to the country’s national academy of science, which acts as the National Representative Body (NRB).  

The NRBs shortlist three nominations to represent the country, which are sent to the Jury of 100. After a first round of voting, the title of National Champion is awarded to the winning nomination for each participating country. After a second round of voting, three International Champions are selected from the pool of National Champions. Each International Champion wins 1 million Swiss Francs to advance their important breakthrough research.