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EurASc to Participate in One Ocean Science Congress and “Towards IPOS” Session

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EurASc to Participate in One Ocean Science Congress and “Towards IPOS” Session

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is pleased to announce its active participation in the upcoming One Ocean Science Congress (OOS 2025), which will take place from 3 to 6 June 2025 in Nice, France, ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025).

As a member of the Coalition of Scientific Institutions (CSI) in support of the International Platform for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS), EurASc will contribute to the high-level session:

🎤 “Towards IPOS: Strengthening the Science–Policy Interface in Ocean Sustainability”
📅 Wednesday, 5 June 2025
🕣 08:30–10:00 CEST
📍 Room Salon Massena 2

The session will bring together prominent scientific institutions to explore how IPOS can become a reference mechanism for knowledge co-production in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Representing EurASc will be Prof. Paul Tréguer, Fellow of the Academy, Professor Emeritus, and internationally recognised expert in ocean biogeochemistry. Prof. Tréguer is also a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO).

The session is organised by the CSI-IPOS Working Group and moderated by representatives from the European Commission, with the participation of institutions such as SCOR, IOC-UNESCO, Future Earth Coasts, and other global scientific bodies. Contributions will focus on enhancing ocean sustainability through improved science–policy interfaces, transdisciplinary dialogue, and governance mechanisms.

EurASc’s involvement in this initiative reflects the Academy’s ongoing commitment to advancing scientific excellence and evidence-based sustainability across Europe and beyond.

🔗 Learn more about the session: OOS2025-248 – Towards IPOS

Luisa Torsi Conferred Honorary Doctorate by Åbo Akademi University

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Luisa Torsi Conferred Honorary Doctorate by Åbo Akademi University

The European Academy of Sciences is proud to announce that Prof. Luisa Torsi, Fellow of the Materials Science Division, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Åbo Akademi University, Finland. The distinction was conferred during the university’s prestigious Doctoral Conferral Ceremony held on 23 May 2025, in recognition of her pioneering contributions to biosensor technology and her lasting engagement with the Finnish scientific community.

Prof. Torsi, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Bari (Italy), was a Visiting Professor at Åbo Akademi University from 2017 to 2022, where she significantly advanced biosensor research. She is internationally recognised for her innovative work on organic electrolyte-gated transistors as biosensors, which has opened new avenues in biomedical diagnostics.

Her scientific achievements include:

  • Over 280 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as Science and Nature Materials

  • More than 18,200 citations and an h-index of 67

  • 14 patents and dozens of invited lectures worldwide

  • Leadership roles as Vice Chair of the Scientific Committee of the National Research Council of Italy and member of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei

Beyond the lab, Prof. Torsi has also been featured as a comic book character in Topolino (the Italian version of Disney’s Donald Duck) to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science.

Her election as Honorary Doctor celebrates not only her scientific excellence but also her commitment to mentoring and science communication.

This year, Åbo Akademi conferred 14 Honorary Doctorates across all faculties and celebrated eight Jubilee Doctors who earned their doctorates 50 years ago. The event is the university’s most prestigious academic celebration, honouring both scholarly merit and societal impact.

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Prof. Luisa Torsi during the Doctoral Conferral Ceremony at Åbo Akademi University, wearing the traditional doctoral hat and holding the ceremonial sword.
The doctoral hat, adorned with a lyre emblem, symbolises academic freedom and the dignity of scholarship. The doctoral sword, represents the defence of truth, knowledge, and academic integrity. Both are formal insignia of the honorary degree awarded by the university.

📸 Photo courtesy of Prof. Luisa Torsi, via her official Twitter account.

 
 
 

📍 More details: Åbo Akademi University Official Announcement

EurASc Members Honoured as 2024 Honorary Fellows of the Chinese Chemical Society

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EurASc Members Honoured as 2024 Honorary Fellows of the Chinese Chemical Society

The European Academy of Sciences is pleased to share the news that two of its distinguished Fellows, Prof. Katharina Kohse-Höinghaus and Prof. Jonathan L. Sessler, have been elected Honorary Fellows of the Chinese Chemical Society (CCS) — the highest distinction awarded by the CCS to eminent international chemists.

The announcement was made in April 2024 following a formal election by the CCS Standing Board, composed of over 40 members. Prof. Kohse-Höinghaus and Prof. Sessler are among the eleven scientists selected globally as part of the 2024 class of Honorary Fellows. The CCS currently counts only 103 Honorary Fellows worldwide, a testament to the selectivity and prestige of the honour.

Founded in 1932 in Nanjing, the Chinese Chemical Society today represents more than 120,000 individual members and over 180 institutional members, playing a major role in advancing chemical sciences both nationally and internationally.

🔗 Chinese Chemical Society website
📄 Full Honorary Fellows list (2009–2024)

 

Prof. Katharina Kohse-Höinghaus

Prof. Kohse-Höinghaus is internationally recognised for her pioneering work in combustion diagnostics, using advanced techniques such as laser-induced fluorescence, cavity ring-down spectroscopy, and emission spectroscopy. Her research on biofuel combustion mechanisms and pollutant formation has significantly contributed to the development of low-temperature, cleaner combustion processes.

She is a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a member of the German Academy of Sciences and the German National Academy of Engineering. She has maintained long-standing collaborations with Chinese institutions, trained generations of Chinese researchers, and contributed to shaping China’s innovation policy landscape. In 2024, Prof. Kohse-Höinghaus is also the only woman among the CCS Honorary Fellows, further highlighting her exceptional achievements and leadership.

 

Prof. Jonathan L. Sessler

Prof. Sessler is celebrated for his innovative work in functional molecular design, particularly in the fields of calixphyrins and molecular recognition with applications in cancer therapy, drug delivery, and environmental sensing. His synthetic methodologies for porphyrins and related compounds have had widespread impact in biomedical and supramolecular chemistry.

Prof. Sessler is a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the US National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Inventors, and the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc). His active engagement with the Chinese scientific community has been instrumental in strengthening China–US cooperation through academic platforms, joint research initiatives, and researcher training programs.

 

This distinction follows a growing recognition of EurASc members by the CCS: in 2021, Prof. Bao-Lian Su, was also elected CCS Honorary Fellow for his pioneering contributions to inorganic material chemistry and his role in fostering scientific collaboration between China and Europe.

EurASc congratulates Prof. Kohse-Höinghaus and Prof. Sessler on this prestigious distinction and celebrates the continued international impact of its Fellows in advancing chemical sciences worldwide.

📸 News and citations courtesy of the Chinese Chemical Society and institutional sources.
🔗 Full 2024 Honorary Fellows Announcement

Gerhard Alfred Holzapfel Receives Laurea Magistrale ad Honorem in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Parma

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Gerhard Alfred Holzapfel Receives Laurea Magistrale ad Honorem in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Parma

The European Academy of Sciences is proud to announce that Prof. Gerhard Alfred Holzapfel, Fellow of the Engineering Division, has been awarded a Laurea Magistrale ad Honorem in Mechanical Engineering by the University of Parma, in recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements and global impact in the field of biomechanics.

The degree was conferred on 20 May 2025 in Parma, Italy, as a tribute to what the university described as “the research and career of one of the greatest contemporary scholars in biomechanics.” Prof. Holzapfel is currently Professor of Biomechanics and Director of the Institute of Biomechanics at Graz University of Technology, and Adjunct Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

A prolific and influential researcher, Prof. Holzapfel is the author of 9 monographs, over 30 textbook chapters, and more than 370 scientific publications, which have collectively garnered over 26,000 citations. He is especially renowned for his contributions to the development of the GOH model—a constitutive model for the mechanical behaviour of human arteries, developed with collaborators Gasser and Ogden. This model has become a cornerstone in arterial biomechanics, with transformative applications in diagnostics, pathology research, and the design of next-generation vascular prosthetics.

In their formal remarks, Prof. Rinaldo Garziera, Director of the Department of Systems Engineering and Industrial Technologies, and Prof. Luca Collini, President of the Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, praised Prof. Holzapfel’s scientific depth, academic leadership, and the societal impact of his research. Particular attention was given to the implications of his work in patient-specific modelling and the integration of vascular dynamics with cardiocirculatory systems.

The university’s Rector, Prof. Paolo Martelli, stated:

“Prof. Holzapfel is one of the most authoritative and influential minds in his field. Scientific research, as embodied by his work, is a value not only for academia but for society. This recognition is our tribute to a career of extraordinary contributions.”

In his lectio magistralis, titled “The Power of Interdisciplinary Research: Biomechanics as an Example”, Prof. Holzapfel reflected on the evolution of biomechanics—from Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomical studies to today’s mechanobiological challenges—highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary integration:

“Today, biomechanics is the development, extension and application of mechanics to answer weighty questions in biology and medicine. The future lies in interdisciplinary research.”

Before the ceremony, Prof. Holzapfel signed the Book of Honour of the University of Parma, leaving a message of gratitude and humility for this academic distinction.

EurASc warmly congratulates Prof. Holzapfel on this prestigious recognition, which celebrates not only his scientific excellence but also his lifelong commitment to improving human health through engineering and applied research.

📸 News and photos courtesy of the Università degli Studi di Parma.
🔗 Official Announcement

EurASc and Brazilian Academy of Sciences Strengthen Ties Through Establishment of Cooperation Agreement

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EurASc and Brazilian Academy of Sciences Strengthen Ties Through Establishment of Cooperation Agreement

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is pleased to announce the signing of a Cooperation Agreement with the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), marking a significant step toward fostering international collaboration in science and technology.

The agreement was officially signed by Prof. Rodrigo Martins, President of EurASc, in Lisbon on 1 May 2025, and by Prof. Helena Bonciani Nader, President of ABC, during a ceremony held on 6 May 2025 at the Museu do Amanhã, within the framework of the Reunião Magna of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences in Rio de Janeiro.

This agreement aims to promote cooperation between the two Academies in multiple scientific fields, including Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Medicine and Life Sciences, among others. Joint activities will encompass scientific workshops, conferences, publications, and the dissemination of research findings, based on principles of equality, reciprocity, and mutual benefit.

During the same event, Prof. Armando Pombeiro, EurASc Agreement Coordinator, represented the Academy and participated in the signing ceremony alongside Prof. Helena Nader.

In addition to this important milestone, EurASc is proud to share that Prof. Armando Pombeiro was formally welcomed as a Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) during a special welcoming ceremony held on 8 May 2025 at the Escola Naval, Rio de Janeiro.

At the ceremony, Prof. Pombeiro received his diploma directly from Prof. Helena Nader. Also present at the official table were distinguished figures including Prof. Ricardo Galvão, President of the CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development), and Prof. Luís Rebelo Fernandes, Interim Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil.

These events reflect EurASc’s growing international engagement and its commitment to fostering scientific collaboration beyond European borders.

Reuniao Magna-signature of EURASC-ABC Agreement

EurASc Webinar Series

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EurASc Webinar Series

The EurASc Webinar Series is a new initiative by the European Academy of Sciences, designed to promote dialogue and knowledge exchange on pressing scientific and technological issues. These online events bring together leading experts from diverse fields to share insights, foster collaboration, and inspire innovation across Europe and beyond.

UPCOMING EVENTS

All Information HERE

🗓️ June 11th, 2025 | 🕑 14:00 CET | 🌍 Online

We are pleased to announce the next session of the EurASc Webinar Series, featuring:

🎙️ Prof. Anders Hagfeldt
Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University and Professor of Physical Chemistry

Webinar Title:
“Europe can seize the opportunity through investment in knowledge societies and the role of the Guild”

This session will offer a forward-looking perspective on the role of European universities and research institutions in promoting global equity through investment in knowledge societies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Prof. Hagfeldt will address how Europe can better align research, innovation, and higher education to achieve the goals of the Global Gateway initiative.

The presentation will reflect the strategic vision of The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, calling for a 360-degree approach that connects science and policy to solve common global challenges — including health, environment, and digital transformation. By strengthening both national and European-level investment in knowledge, the EU can reinforce its competitiveness, resilience, and global leadership.

Details:

  • Date: June 11th, 2025
  • Time: 14:00 CET (Brussels time)
  • Speaker: Prof. Anders Hagfeldt, Uppsala University

    🌍 Language: English
    📡 Format: Online – Zoom & YouTube Livestream

    🔗 Join us live:
    📌 Zoom Meeting
    📌 YouTube Livestream

About the Speaker
Prof. Anders Hagfeldt is Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University since 2021 and Professor of Physical Chemistry. He obtained his PhD at Uppsala University in 1993. His research has focused on the fields of dye-sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells and solar fuels. He has published more than 680 scientific papers that have received over 110,000 citations. 2014-2020 he was Professor at The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).

🆓 This event is free and open to all. Join us to explore how universities can power global change through knowledge, innovation, and solidarity.

#EurASc #WebinarSeries #AndersHagfeldt #UppsalaUniversity #GlobalGateway #HigherEducation #KnowledgeSocieties #SciencePolicy #ResearchInvestment #TheGuild

LAST EVENTS

All Information HERE

🗓️ March 11th, 2025 | 🕑 14:00 CET | 🌍 Online

We are delighted to announce the next session of the EurASc Webinar Series, featuring Professor Michael Graetzel from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).

Title: “Molecular Photovoltaics and the Stunning Rise of Perovskite Solar Cells”

This session will explore groundbreaking advancements in molecular photovoltaics, focusing on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and the rapid progress of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). With efficiencies exceeding 26.7%, PSCs are among the most promising future photovoltaic technologies. The talk will highlight the latest research on stability, large-scale production, and real-world applications.

Details:

  • Date: March 11th, 2025
  • Time: 14:00 CET (Brussels time)
  • Speaker: Prof. Michael Graetzel, EPFL

    🌍 Language: English
    📡 Format: Online – Zoom & YouTube Livestream

    🔗 Join us live:
    📌 Zoom Meeting
    📌 YouTube Livestream

Prof. Graetzel is a pioneer in molecular photovoltaics, whose contributions have revolutionized solar energy conversion. His research has also led to advancements in lithium-ion batteries and photoelectrochemical cells for solar-driven water splitting and CO₂ reduction. With over 1,700 publications, 332,600 citations, and an h-index of 267, he has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Millennium Technology Grand Prize, Balzan Prize, and Leonardo da Vinci Medal of EurASc.

This free and public webinar is an opportunity to gain insights into the future of solar energy and its role in sustainable technology. Don’t miss this chance to engage with one of the leading minds in photovoltaic research!

#EurASc #WebinarSeries #SolarEnergy #Innovation #PerovskiteSolarCells #Photovoltaics #EPFL #MichaelGraetzel

All Information HERE

🗓️ January 09th, 2025 | 🕑 15:00 CET | 🌍 Online

We are excited to announce the next session of the EurASc Webinar Series featuring Dr. Georg Schütte, Secretary General of the Volkswagen Foundation.

Title: “In Troubled Waters: The Future of European Science and Innovation Policy”

This session will explore the challenges and opportunities for science and innovation in Europe, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of research funding, policy, and international collaboration.

Details:

  • Date: January 9, 2025
  • Time: 15:00 CET (Brussels time)
  • Speaker: Dr. Georg Schütte, Secretary General, Volkswagen Foundation

The webinar will be available for free to all, and you can join us via Zoom or watch the YouTube livestream.

All webinars are free to attend and open to the public. We look forward to your participation!

#EurASc #WebinarSeries #SciencePolicy #Innovation #EuropeanScience #VolkswagenFoundation #GeorgSchuette #PublicLecture

Stay tuned for updates on future speakers and topics, as the EurASc Webinar Series continues to expand its program.

Susan Scott Awarded the George Szekeres Medal

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Susan Scott Awarded the George Szekeres Medal

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) proudly congratulates Distinguished Professor Susan Scott, Fellow of EurASc, on receiving the George Szekeres Medal, the highest honour of the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS). This prestigious award recognises outstanding contributions to the mathematical sciences, reaffirming Professor Scott’s exceptional leadership and impact in the field.

The medal was presented by Jessica Purcell, President of AustMS, during the opening ceremony of the joint meetings of the Australian, American, and New Zealand Mathematical Societies in Auckland.

 

IMG_0936-rotated-e1733974924463-400x300
A Historic Milestone

Professor Scott’s recognition marks an important moment in Australian mathematical sciences:

  • She is only the third woman in Australia to receive this honour.
  • She is the first woman from the Australian National University (ANU) to be awarded the medal.
  • She is only the second person from ANU to ever receive this distinction.
Pioneering Contributions

A global leader in gravitational wave theory and mathematical physics, Professor Scott’s groundbreaking research has shaped the scientific community and inspired new generations of researchers. Her work continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, making significant advances in mathematical and theoretical physics.

The George Szekeres Medal, named after the renowned mathematician, is a testament to her dedication, innovation, and excellence in advancing the mathematical sciences.

EurASc is proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of Professor Susan Scott’s remarkable career and lasting contributions to science.

🔗 Source: OzGrav News
📸 Image Credit: Australian Mathematical Society

#EurASc #ScientificExcellence #Mathematics #Physics #GravitationalWaves #SusanScott #Innovation

Call for Candidatures – EurASc By-Elections 2025 (Divisions)

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Call for Candidatures – EurASc By-Elections 2025 (Divisions)

The European Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce the timeline and process for the upcoming by-elections to fill key leadership positions across our divisions. This call is an opportunity for all eligible members to actively engage in shaping the leadership of their respective divisions.

Eligibility Criteria

Only Active Members of the European Academy of Sciences are eligible to submit candidatures or hold leadership positions within the divisions. Active membership requires compliance with the Academy’s statutes, including being up to date with membership dues.

Members who wish to seek re-election must ensure they have not exceeded the maximum number of terms stipulated by the Academy’s regulations. Candidatures from members exceeding the allowable term limits will not be accepted.

Duration of Mandates

All elected positions, including Officers and Heads of Division, will have a mandate duration of three years, as per the Academy’s regulations. Members may be re-elected within the limits established by the statutes.

Timeline for By-Elections

Call for Candidatures:
January 24, 2025 – March 15, 2025

  • Candidatures for division-level positions will be collected during this period.

  • All candidature documents must be sent directly to the Secretariat (contact@eurasc.eu) for record-keeping and validation.

  • The official candidature form must be completed in full.

     

Validation of Candidacies:
March 18, 2025 – March 29, 2025

  • The Secretariat will work with division officers to validate candidatures against eligibility criteria.

  • A complete list of confirmed candidates for each division will be made available for consultation by all members.

     

Voting Period:
April 1, 2025 – April 15, 2025

  • Voting will be conducted electronically and will be division-specific. Only members of a given division will be eligible to vote for the open positions within that division. This ensures that the leadership of each division is determined exclusively by its members.

  • Detailed instructions for the voting process will be communicated closer to the voting period.

     

Announcement of Results:
April 25, 2025

  • Results will be formally announced, and newly elected division committees will take office by May 1, 2025.

Download Candidature Form

Open Positions :

Call to Participate

 

We invite all EurASc Active Members to actively participate in the ongoing by-elections by nominating candidates for open positions within the Academy. Self-nominations are welcome, and candidates nominated by others will be contacted to confirm their acceptance before voting or appointment.

 

This is an opportunity to shape the future of your division and contribute to the advancement of scientific excellence within your field.

 

For further details please contact the Secretariat at contact@eurasc.eu.

 

 

Note: This call is exclusively for leadership positions in EurASc divisions. By-elections for general governance bodies of the Academy will also take place later this year, and separate information will be provided in due course.

Annual Symposium & Ceremony 2025 – CERN, Geneva

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Annual Symposium & Ceremony 2025 – CERN, Geneva

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is honored to announce that the Annual Symposium & Ceremony 2025 will take place at CERN, the world’s leading center for particle physics, in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 17-18, 2025. This year’s symposium coincides with CERN’s 70th anniversary, adding an extraordinary dimension to this prestigious event.

CERN is renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to fundamental research, including the discovery of the W and Z bosons, the Higgs boson, and the invention of the World Wide Web. Beyond fundamental science, CERN’s advancements in particle accelerators and detectors have led to transformative applications in medical diagnostics, quantum computing, and materials science.

The symposium, under the theme “Societal Impact of Fundamental Sciences“, will feature cutting-edge discussions, keynote speeches by leading scientists, and the presentation of the Blaise Pascal Medals and the Leonardo da Vinci Award to outstanding contributors in science and technology. The symposium will be co-chaired by Prof. Paul Lecoq and Prof. Chiara Mariotti, distinguished Members of EurASc and leaders in the field of particle physics.

CERN Science Gateway will serve as an inspiring venue for scientific dialogue and exploration. EurASc Fellows will have the unique opportunity to stay in CERN’s internal hostel, located just 20 minutes from the Geneva city center.

CERN Director-General Prof. Fabiola Gianotti has expressed enthusiasm for hosting this landmark event and welcoming the EurASc community to the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation.

Stay tuned for further updates on the programme and registration details — all information will be available on the official event page. We look forward to celebrating this remarkable occasion with you!

For more information about CERN, visit CERN’s Official Website.

Call for 2025 EurASc Awards Nominations

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Call for 2025 EurASc Awards Nominations

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Blaise Pascal Medals and the Leonardo da Vinci Award, which celebrate exceptional achievements in science and technology.

We invite EurASc members to nominate outstanding individuals, including both members and non-members of the Academy, who have significantly advanced their fields.

🏅 Blaise Pascal Medals

  • Submission Deadline: April 15th, 2025
  • Up to nine medals (one per division) may be awarded.
  • Nominations are evaluated by the scientific committees of each division and finalized through voting by the General Board.

🏆 Leonardo da Vinci Award

  • Submission Deadline: January 15th, 2025
  • A singular honor awarded annually.
  • Candidates are proposed by Active Members, ranked by divisions, and selected by the Presidium.

 

Submission Process

All nomination materials must comply with the guidelines and include the required documentation:

  • A completed nomination form
  • Letter of nomination from a EurASc Member
  • Two to three letters of support (one from a EurASc Member other than the nominator)
  • Candidate’s updated CV + List of publications and citation metrics

The awardees will be announced in June 2025, and the formal presentation will occur during the Annual Ceremony in December 2025.

For more information and detailed submission guidelines, visit our Awards Page.

Let’s honor excellence in science and technology together!