The Shaw Prize Foundation Limited was incorporated in November 2002 with the object of awarding prizes to those persons who have achieved distinguished contributions in academic and scientific research or applications or have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind.
It was granted charitable status by the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department in May 2003.
The Shaw Prize Council is an administrative body that serves as the cornerstone of effective management and smooth operation of the Prize, assisted by the Shaw Prize Secretariat. As the official representative of the Prize, the Council assumes the responsibility of announcing the recipients of the awards at the annual press conference, and ensures the seamless execution of the Prize’s key events. It also provides procedural guidelines on the selection process of the awardees. In addition to its operational responsibilities, the Council plays a significant role in shaping the strategic development of the Prize, providing guidance to maintains its alignment with its founding principles and vision.
The Board of Adjudicators oversees the selection process of the Shaw Prize awardees. Its responsibilities include deciding on the awardees of the prizes, formulating the regulations and procedures for nomination and adjudication, and setting up Selection Committees while monitoring their operation. Furthermore, it checks, approves or rules on the awardee list submitted by the committees and requests the Council to confirm the list of awardees of the prizes. The Board operates independently from the Council.