Prizes and Awards – Page 2 – European Academy of Sciences

Cato T. Laurencin Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia

Admin EurASc Homepage, Members, News, Prizes and Awards April 9, 2025April 9, 2025

The European Academy of Sciences is proud to celebrate a prestigious recognition granted to one of its distinguished Fellows. Professor Cato T. Laurencin, EurASc Member since 2022, has been appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia, one of the highest national honours of the Caribbean island, established by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and awarded under the auspices of His Majesty King Charles III.

This title was conferred upon Prof. Laurencin in recognition of his outstanding scientific, medical, and societal contributions, particularly as the founder of the field of regenerative engineering — an interdisciplinary domain that bridges materials science, nanotechnology, stem cell science, and clinical translation to revolutionise tissue regeneration and orthopaedic care.

Prof. Laurencin is internationally renowned as a visionary in translational science and equity-driven innovation. His work has influenced not only the scientific community but also the lives of countless patients through novel technologies and treatments. Among his many distinctions, he holds the rare honour of being the only surgeon elected to all four major U.S. National Academies:

National Academy of Sciences
National Academy of Engineering
National Academy of Medicine
National Academy of Inventors

At the University of Connecticut (UConn), Prof. Laurencin serves as:

Chief Executive Officer, The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering
University Professor (the highest academic title at UConn)
Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

He also holds professorships in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Laurencin reflected on the honour with humility and pride:

“St. Lucia is an extraordinary country, with extraordinary people. In being Knighted through the auspices of King Charles III, I am proud to be included among fellow Knights such as the late Sir Derek Walcott, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature.”

This distinction is not only a celebration of Prof. Laurencin’s scientific legacy but also a tribute to his tireless efforts to inspire future generations, promote diversity and inclusion in science, and foster global collaboration in service of humanity.

The European Academy of Sciences warmly congratulates Prof. Laurencin for this well-deserved honour, which perfectly reflects EurASc’s values of excellence, impact, and service to society.

📄 Source: University of Connecticut News
📸 Photo credits: University of Connecticut
🔗 Read the full article on UConn Today

Martin Carrier Awarded Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Athens

Admin EurASc Homepage, Members, News, Prizes and Awards April 8, 2025April 15, 2025

The European Academy of Sciences is delighted to announce that Professor Martin Carrier, esteemed Fellow since 2014 and Head of the EurASc Division of Social Sciences and Humanities from 2016 to 2024, has been awarded the prestigious title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).

The honorary ceremony took place on Thursday, 20 March 2025, in the Great Hall of NKUA. The event commenced with an address by the Rector of NKUA, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, who highlighted Prof. Carrier’s significant research contributions and his pivotal role in bridging philosophy with practical scientific research. Following this, Professor Chrysostomos Mantzavinos, also EurASc Fellow and Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at NKUA, presented an overview of Dr. Carrier’s work and impact.

The formal conferral of the honorary doctorate was conducted by Professor Anthony Hatzimoysis, Chair of the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, who read the Department’s Resolution, the Award, and the Honorary Diploma. Subsequently, the Dean of the School of Science, Professor Aristeidis Parmakelis, adorned Dr. Carrier with the academic gown of the School. The ceremony concluded with Dr. Carrier delivering a lecture titled ‘Science Under Attack: Dealing With Failure in Science and With Science Denial’, addressing contemporary challenges faced by the scientific community.

In his address, Rector Siasos remarked:

“Dr. Carrier’s academic career is distinguished by significant research in key areas of expertise. His contribution to the study of the dynamic evolution of scientific theories and the interconnection between philosophy on the one hand and practical and applied scientific research on the other has been decisive.”

Professor Carrier, currently serving as Professor of Philosophy at Bielefeld University in Germany, has garnered international acclaim for his extensive work in the philosophy of science, particularly concerning scientific reasoning, the science-policy interface, and the societal role of science. His research has profoundly influenced the discourse on how scientific knowledge addresses global challenges.

The European Academy of Sciences extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Carrier on this distinguished recognition, underscoring his exceptional contributions to both science and society.

For more details on the ceremony, please refer to the official announcement by the University of Athens >>HERE<<

📸 Photo credits: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
📝 This article was prepared by the EurASc Secretariat based on the official announcement published on the University of Athens website.

Avelino Corma and Helmut Schwarz Win 2024 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences

Admin EurASc Homepage, Members, News, Prizes and Awards, Spotlight March 31, 2025March 31, 2025

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is honoured to announce that two of its distinguished Members, Prof. Avelino Corma and Prof. Helmut Schwarz, have been awarded the 2024 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences, jointly with Prof. John F. Hartwig, for their seminal contributions to the field of catalysis.

The jury praised the laureates for their “fundamental advances that have made it possible to control and accelerate chemical reactions”, thereby improving the efficiency of key industrial processes while significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Their combined work covers the entire spectrum of catalysis — from heterogeneous to homogeneous to gas-phase reactions — and is driving progress in areas ranging from sustainable fuel production to pharmaceutical synthesis.

This international recognition is yet another testament to the scientific leadership and global impact of EurASc Fellows within the worldwide research community.

Catalysis as a Pillar of a Sustainable Chemical Future

Prof. Avelino Corma

Institute of Chemical Technology (ITQ), Universitat Politècnica de València – CSIC, Spain

Prof. Corma is a pioneer in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, having developed solid catalysts based on porous materials that are now extensively used in industrial processes to produce cleaner fuels and chemicals with greater energy efficiency. His catalysts are implemented globally in over 22 refineries, and his work has led to the replacement of petroleum-based feedstocks with biomass-derived alternatives, enabling a circular approach to chemical production.

“This technology allows us to reduce the use of fossil hydrocarbons and to prevent the release of pollutants into the atmosphere,” said Prof. Corma. “Catalysts will also help us capture CO₂ and develop processes with far less environmental impact.”

He holds more than 100 patents and his innovations have applications in the production of fuels, plastics, cosmetics and even food.

Prof. Helmut Schwarz

Technische Universität Berlin, Germany

Prof. Schwarz has transformed the understanding of gas-phase catalysis, using advanced mass spectrometry techniques to track chemical reactions atom by atom. His work provides deep mechanistic insights into catalytic processes that were previously poorly understood.

A notable industrial application of his research helped optimise a catalyst at the Degussa chemical plant, solving problems with catalyst fouling in methane-ammonia coupling, a critical step for producing key compounds in the energy sector.

“We show how basic research can lead to very practical improvements in industrial chemical processes,” stated Prof. Schwarz.

From Molecular Design to Industrial Impact

The third laureate, Prof. John F. Hartwig (University of California, Berkeley), was honoured for his development of metal-based catalysts that have revolutionised homogeneous catalysis, particularly in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds. Many FDA-approved drugs, including those for cancer, HIV, and hepatitis, rely on chemical transformations developed in his lab.

Together, the three laureates have covered the full landscape of catalysis, providing tools and insights that are shaping the future of green chemistry and resource-efficient manufacturing.

A Recognition of Global Scientific Excellence

The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards are regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions of scientific achievement. Over the past 15 editions, 31 laureates have gone on to win Nobel Prizes, positioning this award as a leading indicator of global scientific excellence.

The European Academy of Sciences warmly congratulates Prof. Corma and Prof. Schwarz for this exceptional distinction. Their recognition reinforces EurASc’s mission to support and promote scientific excellence with impact on society, innovation, and sustainability.

📝 Sources and images:

BBVA Foundation: https://www.bbva.com/en/sustainability/frontiers-award-goes-to-those-paving-the-way-to-a-more-efficient-sustainable-chemistry/
Frontiers of Knowledge Awards Official Website: https://www.frontiersofknowledgeawards-fbbva.es/noticias/17-edition-basic-sciences-avelino-corma-john-hartwig-helmut-schwarz-chemistry-catalysis/

Gary J. Schrobilgen Honored with the 2025 M. Frederick Hawthorne Award in Main-Group Inorganic Chemistry

Admin EurASc Homepage, News, Prizes and Awards March 14, 2025March 14, 2025

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Prof. Gary J. Schrobilgen, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at McMaster University, who has been honored with the 2025 M. Frederick Hawthorne Award in Main-Group Inorganic Chemistry, presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Recognition for Excellence in Main-Group Inorganic Chemistry

Prof. Schrobilgen has been named the recipient of this prestigious award in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the synthetic chemistries of Group 13–18 elements, including strong oxidizers, hypervalent species, high-oxidation-state compounds, and polyatomic anions.

Supported by an endowed fund established by M. Frederick Hawthorne, UCLA, and colleagues, the award will be presented at the ACS Spring National Meeting in San Diego, California (March 23–27, 2025). A dedicated symposium in his honor, jointly organized by the ACS Divisions of Fluorine Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry, will take place at the ACS Fall 2025 National Meeting in Washington, D.C. (August 17–21, 2025).

Prof. Schrobilgen has confirmed that he will receive the Hawthorne Award later this month in San Diego and will share official photos from the event upon his return to Canada in early April.

A Legacy of Scientific Excellence

Prof. Schrobilgen’s work has profoundly expanded the boundaries of synthetic and structural inorganic chemistry, particularly in noble-gas compounds, multinuclear magnetic resonance, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. His pioneering research in fluorine chemistry continues to inspire new discoveries and advancements in the field.

EurASc extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Schrobilgen for this exceptional achievement, further solidifying his legacy as a global leader in chemistry.

🔗 Stay tuned for event photos and updates in the coming months!

#EurASc #ScientificExcellence #FluorineChemistry #InorganicChemistry #ACS #GarySchrobilgen

Helmut Schwarz Awarded the Wolf Prize in Chemistry 2025

Admin EurASc Homepage, Members, News, Prizes and Awards March 11, 2025March 11, 2025

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is proud to congratulate Prof. Helmut Schwarz on being awarded the prestigious Wolf Prize in Chemistry 2025 for his groundbreaking contributions to quantifying reactive species in the gas phase to solve fundamental problems in catalysis.

A distinguished scientist and thought leader, Prof. Schwarz has made pioneering advances in chemical reactivity, catalysis, and molecular science, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of metal-mediated catalysis, C-H bond activation, and single-atom catalysis (SAC). His work has not only expanded fundamental scientific knowledge but has also paved the way for innovative applications in sustainable chemistry and clean energy solutions.

EurASc had the honor of recognizing Prof. Schwarz’s exceptional scientific achievements in 2021, when he was awarded the Leonardo da Vinci Award for his outstanding contributions to chemistry. Now, following his Wolf Prize distinction, EurASc is pleased to announce his automatic elevation to Honorary Member status, in accordance with the Academy’s Statutes and Bylaws.

On behalf of the EurASc President, Prof. Rodrigo Martins, Vice-President, Prof. Dr. Alain Tressaud, and the Head of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Pierre Braunstein, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Helmut Schwarz on this well-deserved recognition. His scientific legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of chemistry.

EurASc remains committed to honoring and promoting excellence in science, and we are privileged to count Prof. Schwarz among our esteemed members.

🔗 For more on the Wolf Prize in Chemistry 2025, visit: https://wolffund.org.il/helmut-schwarz/

Alfio Quarteroni the 2025 SIAM Ralph E. Kleinman Prize Awardee

Admin EurASc Homepage, News, Prizes and Awards March 10, 2025March 10, 2025

EurASc congratulates Alfio Quarteroni on the 2025 SIAM Ralph E. Kleinman Prize

The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has announced the 2025 recipients of its major prizes and awards, recognizing outstanding contributions in applied mathematics, computational science, and data science. These prestigious awards will be presented at various SIAM conferences throughout 2025 and 2026, including the SIAM Conference on Computational Science and Engineering (CSE25) in Fort Worth, Texas, the Third Joint SIAM/CAIMS Annual Meetings (AN25) in Montréal, Canada, and the International Conference on Scientific Computation and Differential Equations (SciCADE) in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Among this year’s distinguished awardees, Professor Alfio Quarteroni has been honored with the 2025 Ralph E. Kleinman Prize for his exceptional contributions to mathematical modeling, scientific computing, computational fluid dynamics, and machine learning. His work has had a profound impact on a wide range of applications, bridging the gap between theoretical mathematics and practical problem-solving in engineering, science, and technology.

The Ralph E. Kleinman Prize is awarded to individuals whose research exemplifies the integration of high-level mathematics with real-world applications, making a significant impact on scientific and industrial advancements. Professor Quarteroni’s leadership in applied mathematics and dedication to innovation continue to shape the future of the field.

The award will be officially presented at the SIAM Annual Meeting 2025 (AN25) in Montréal, Canada, from July 28 – August 1, 2025.

EurASc proudly celebrates this well-deserved recognition and congratulates Professor Quarteroni on his remarkable achievements!

🔗 Read more: SIAM Announcement

#EurASc #SIAM #AppliedMathematics #ScientificComputing #ComputationalMathematics #AlfioQuarteroni #AcademicExcellence #Innovation

Susan Scott Awarded the George Szekeres Medal

Admin EurASc Eurasc, Homepage, Members, News, Prizes and Awards February 25, 2025February 26, 2025

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.

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

Ana Pombo – Winner of the 2025 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize

Admin EurASc Members, News, Prizes and Awards February 6, 2025February 26, 2025

The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is proud to announce that one of its distinguished members, Prof. Ana Pombo, has been awarded the Leibniz Prize 2024, the most prestigious research award in Germany. This recognition highlights her groundbreaking contributions to the field of genome architecture and regulation.

Prof. Pombo, a leading scientist at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin, has made remarkable advancements in understanding how the three-dimensional organization of the genome influences gene expression. Her work is pivotal in deciphering the complex mechanisms that drive cellular functions and disease development.

The Leibniz Prize, awarded by the German Research Foundation (DFG – Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), is widely regarded as one of the highest honors in the scientific community. The award comes with a substantial research grant, enabling recipients to further their pioneering studies.

EurASc extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Pombo for this well-deserved recognition, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to supporting outstanding European scientists who contribute to global scientific excellence.

Source: Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin. Original article available at MDC Berlin Press Release.

Call for 2025 EurASc Awards Nominations

Admin EurASc Eurasc, Members, News, Prizes and Awards December 13, 2024December 13, 2024

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!

Gary J. Schrobilgen is the 2024 recipient of the Prix International Henri Moissan

Admin EurASc Members, News, Prizes and Awards November 27, 2024February 25, 2025

We are delighted to announce that Professor Emeritus Gary J. Schrobilgen of McMaster University has been named the 2024 recipient of the Prix International Henri Moissan for his exceptional research contributions to the field of fluorine chemistry.

The Prix International Henri Moissan is awarded every three years to a researcher of international standing who has made significant contributions to the field of fluorine and fluorinated compounds. This prestigious award commemorates the 1886 isolation of fluorine by Henri Moissan, who was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Since 2006, the The Prix International Henri Moissan is awarded every three years to a researcher of international standing who has made significant contributions to the field of fluorine and fluorinated compounds. This prestigious award commemorates the 1886 isolation of fluorine by Henri Moissan, who was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Since 2006, the Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie (Paris, France), has been responsible for managing the prize, ensuring its continued prominence. Professor Schrobilgen was honored for his work in inorganic fluorine chemistry, noble gas chemistry, and radiochemistry, with practical applications in nuclear energy production, semiconductor materials, refrigeration, rocket propellants, and medical imaging.

Consult Statement HERE

The award ceremony will take place at a special symposium in Paris in November 2025, where Professor Schrobilgen will receive the Moissan Medal from Philippe Gœbel, President of the Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie.

In addition to this prestigious recognition, Professor Schrobilgen delivered a lecture at the 24th International Symposium on Fluorine Chemistry in Shanghai, China, on July/August 2024.

Professor Schrobilgen has made important contributions to the field of synthetic and structural inorganic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis and characterization of high oxidation state species and polyatomic anions. His groundbreaking work has provided invaluable insights into the chemical bonding and structural characteristics of complex molecules and compounds, some of which are now textbook examples.

The European Academy of Sciences congratulates Professor Schrobilgen on these remarkable achievements and looks forward to his continued contributions to the field of fluorine chemistry.

#FluorineChemistry #HenriMoissanPrize #GarySchrobilgen #InorganicChemistry #ScientificExcellence #NuclearEnergy #MedicalImaging #EurASc #ScientificInnovation has been responsible for managing the prize, ensuring its continued prominence. Professor Schrobilgen was honored for his work in inorganic fluorine chemistry, noble gas chemistry, and radiochemistry, with practical applications in nuclear energy production, semiconductor materials, refrigeration, rocket propellants, and medical imaging.

In addition to this prestigious recognition, Professor Schrobilgen will deliver a lecture at the 24th International Symposium on Fluorine Chemistry in Shanghai, China, in July/August 2024.

In 2022, Professor Schrobilgen was also awarded the Blaise Pascal Medal in Chemistry by the European Academy of Sciences and was elected to Fellowship in the European Academy of Sciences.

The European Academy of Sciences congratulates Professor Schrobilgen on these remarkable achievements and looks forward to his continued contributions to the field of fluorine chemistry.

#FluorineChemistry #HenriMoissanPrize #GarySchrobilgen #InorganicChemistry #ScientificExcellence #NuclearEnergy #MedicalImaging #EurASc #ScientificInnovation