Kepler Prize

In order to bridge great minds to great promises in the European Research Area (ERA), the European Academy of Sciences has established in 2010 the KEPLER AWARD for European Young Scientists (KEYS). This award has the goal of steering the cooperation of highly talented young scientists in Europe interested in research crossing the borders of disciplines and states. By offering communication and cooperation with its members the interactions between generations is going to be enhanced.

The award is co-organized and financially supported by two European institutions, which choose the theme of the award.

One Prize can be attributed per year.

The award is granted to an international team of young graduates, selected in a competition for a workshop covering multidisciplinary topics, planned and organized by the team and yearly selected by EurASc. It consists of financial and organisational support to run the workshop, supported by the two co-organizing institutions. Further, the proponents of the winning team will be invited to become Kepler fellows of EurASc for three years, and are expected to take part in scientific activities of the EurASc.

The institutions interested in organizing a Kepler Prize can contact Eurasc: contact@eurasc.eu

Nominations should be submitted before April 15th.

The awardees will be announced annually in June.

Kepler Prize Laureates

The Kepler Prize recognises outstanding young scientists whose interdisciplinary research and international collaboration contribute to advancing scientific excellence across borders and disciplines.

2026

From Molecules to Functional Materials and Devices: Chemistry Beyond Equilibrium

An interdisciplinary German–Polish research team was recognised for innovative work in nanoplasmonics, molecular switching systems, advanced inorganic materials, and theoretical thermodynamics.

Hosted in Leipzig (Germany) in collaboration with IOM Leipzig and IPC PAS Warsaw.

2012

New (nano-) materials in energy technology

Young European researchers were awarded for interdisciplinary research in nanomaterials, sustainable energy conversion, fuel cells, and CO₂ capture technologies.

Hosted in Karlsruhe (Germany), organised in cooperation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the State of Baden-Württemberg.

2011

Managing Complexity, Reducing Perplexity – Complex Living Systems

The first Kepler Prize workshop explored interdisciplinary approaches to complexity in life sciences, bringing together researchers in biology, mathematics, physics, and computational modelling.

Hosted in Heidelberg (Germany) in collaboration with EMBL Heidelberg and Politecnico di Torino.