Scientific Grand Prize from the Del Duca Foundation on the theme of ‘Chemistry of and for the environment’

Applications must be submitted online by midnight on Wednesday, 20 January 2026, at the latest, on the website of the Academy of Sciences: https://www.academie-sciences.fr/grand-prix-scientifique-de-la-fondation-simone-et-cino-del-duca

Each year, the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation of the Institut de France awards a Grand Prix scientifique alternately to disciplines falling within the two divisions of the Académie des sciences, based on the recommendations of a jury made up of members of the Académie des sciences. This prize rewards a French or European researcher and their team who present an ambitious research project on a promising topic. In 2026, the chosen theme is: ‘Chemistry of and for the environment’.

Understanding the cycles of mineral and organic elements, how they are regulated within different environmental compartments and how they are integrated into biota, is essential for understanding, modelling and anticipating major changes on our planet.

In this field, chemical approaches—whether experimental or theoretical—offer powerful tools for analysing and assessing the pressures exerted by human activities and the resulting imbalances. They also contribute to the design of innovative solutions to the impacts of humans on the environment and, in turn, of the environment on biota and human activities.

This prize will reward a team that has made major advances in the use of chemical tools and concepts to develop innovative and sustainable solutions aimed at preserving our planet while meeting the fundamental needs of humanity.

See the call for applications: GP Call for applications