The prize is in the form of a medal, the Society of Engineering Science Young Investigator Medal, and an award of $1000. The prize is awarded to a promising early-career researcher whose work has already had an impact in his/her field within the engineering sciences. Eligible candidates must have received their PhD or equivalent degree in the last 10 years at the time of the nomination deadline. Exceptions, at the discretion of the SES board of directors and on a case-by-case basis, may be made for researchers who have encountered a significant career disruption. In 2024, the SES Young Investigator Medal was renamed the Huajian Gao Young Investigator Medal.