Inside the Selection Process

The Rolex Laureates are selected by an independent panel of experts, individuals with international stature as specialists at the top of their fields. Supported by a team of researchers and external consultants, the Selection Committee ensures that winners meet the most stringent criteria.

The selection process takes approximately one year. Chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Rolex SA, the Selection Committee chooses the Laureates and Associate Laureates based on four main criteria:

1. Spirit of enterprise
2. Originality
3. Feasibility
4. Potential impact

Judges also consider how the award will contribute to the completion of the project.

The Selection Committee changes for each cycle of Rolex Awards. Each jury is made up of 10 to 12 experts from a range of disciplines and countries.

Since 1976, more than 100 leading experts from 24 countries have served on the Rolex Awards Selection Committee. They include Sir Edmund Hilary, one of the first men to climb Mount Everest, Professor Luc Montagnier, the French research virologist, Dr Sylvia Earle, marine biologist and aquanaut from the United States, and Lord Hunt, past president of the Royal Geographic Society.

Learn about the 2008 Selection Committee

“

Rather than crowning success which is already well established, we seek to identify new enterprise and help it flourish.”

Inside the Selection Process