We are delighted to announce that Professor Rodrigo Martins (EurASc President and i3N coordinator) and Professor Elvira Fortunato (EurASc Member and i3N sub-coordinator), have been honored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The ceremony took place on July 4th in the Chinese city of Hefei.
Professor Rodrigo Martins was selected as a Distinguished Scientist by the PIFI (President International Fellow Initiative) of CAS, the highest distinction given to foreign members of the Academy, initiated in 2009 and awarded to only 5000 scientists worldwide to date. This category honors internationally recognized scientists/scholars who have achieved remarkable accomplishments in the field of science and technology.
Professor Elvira Fortunato was named Honorary Professor by the Heifei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS-CAS), an integrative research base within CAS.
Following the symposium, on May 21, 2024, a cooperative conference took place between a EurASc delegation led by Prof. Rodrigo Martins and Jiangsu University in Zhenjiang. The conference was followed by visits to several scientific departments of Jiangsu University.
We would like to address an important matter that impacts the reputation and integrity of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc).
Recently, we have been made aware of an organization called the Europaische Akademiesending der Naturwissenschaften, which has caused some confusion.
It is important to emphasize that EurASc has no affiliation with this entity. Our members are elected solely based on their scientific merit, ensuring the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
We reaffirm the scientific and moral principles that underpin our academy. All our members are elected based on their outstanding scientific achievements and contributions. Our election process is governed by stringent scientific criteria. Our academy includes Nobel Prize and Fields Medal laureates, showcasing the exceptional caliber of our members. We bestow prestigious awards such as the Leonardo da Vinci Medal and the Blaise Pascal Medal in recognition of exceptional contributions in various scientific fields. Membership in EurASc cannot be purchased. Our rigorous selection process ensures that only the most deserving scientists are elected.
Additionally, it has come to our attention that the Natural Sciences Academy (http://www.eanw.org/news.html), features content primarily in Cyrillic and offers a so-called Leonardo da Vinci diploma. This raises concerns, especially with our Chinese correspondents and relationships. It is essential to note that our academy maintains the highest standards and does not engage in any practices that could compromise our integrity.
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of scientific excellence and ensuring that our reputation remains untarnished.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
President and Vice-President of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc)
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) extends its sincere appreciation to Me de Rode, EurASc’s Perpetual Secretary, for her exceptional dedication and invaluable contributions to the advancement of our institution. As preparations are underway for the annual EurASc Ceremony on October 29-30 in Lisbon, we share the bittersweet news of Hélène de Rode’s decision to step down from her role, effective February 2024. Hélène’s departure comes at her request, marking the end of an era characterized by her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to EurASc’s goals.
Hélène de Rode is a distinguished legal scholar with extensive experience in academia and law practice. She graduated from the Catholic University of Louvain (U.C.L.) and has served as a professor of law and a senior partner at the law firm Actium-Law. Her expertise is recognized in various fields, including Insurance Law, Commercial Law, and Contracts Law. Having served EurASc in various senior positions, including as President from 2004 to 2010, Vice-President, Treasurer from 2010 to 2014, and finally, Perpetual Secretary since 2014, Hélène de Rode, one of the founders of the European Academy of Sciences, has played a decisive role in shaping the identity and achievements of our Academy.
Recognizing Hélène de Rode’s exceptional legacy, EurASc will hold a special session during the upcoming ceremony to honour her remarkable achievements and contributions. This session will be a well-deserved tribute to her lasting impact on our Academy and the scientific community at large.
We express our deepest gratitude to Hélène de Rode for her great passion and unfailing dedication throughout her mandates. Her invaluable contributions have left an indelible mark on EurASc, and we wish her the very best in all her future endeavors.
The European Academy of Sciences is thrilled to announce the recipients of the prestigious 2024 awards. Following a meticulous selection and evaluation process, the winners have been revealed.
The Leonardo da Vinci Award is conferred by the entire academy, recognizing individuals for their exceptional lifelong achievements. The selection process for this prestigious award undergoes rigorous evaluation and selection by the EurASc Presidium.
The Blaise Pascal Medal recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to science, technology, and research education. The selection process involves meticulous evaluation and assessment by the Division Scientific Committees, with final approval from the EurASc General Board.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving recipients for their remarkable achievements!
Professor Herbert Roesky is awarded the Leonardo da Vinci Award 2024 in recognition of his life-long outstanding research and teaching contributions to chemistry.
His brilliance extends beyond the academic realm as he has successfully raised awareness and enthusiasm for chemistry and science among the general public, from school children to teachers and scientists, through captivating experimental public lectures and outstanding books. Throughout his remarkably productive career at the University of Göttingen, Professor Roesky has demonstrated exceptional originality and creativity in research. His standing as a world leader in chemistry is evidenced by numerous national and international awards, prizes, and memberships in prestigious academies. Professor Roesky’s contributions to chemical research are unparalleled, with over 1350 scientific papers and more than 45700 citations to his name, establishing him as a leader in synthetic inorganic chemistry. Moreover, his major books, including “Chemical Curiosities” and “Spectacular Chemical Experiments,” have received worldwide acclaim, significantly impacting chemistry education and serving as invaluable resources for students and educators alike. Beyond his research endeavors, Professor Roesky has dedicated himself to enhancing the public image and awareness of chemistry. His captivating experimental lectures, given in over 16 countries, have inspired countless individuals to pursue chemistry and other fields of science. Professor Herbert W. Roesky’s pioneering contributions to research and the popularization of chemistry have had a profound impact on modern chemistry and scientific education. His remarkable talents and unwavering commitment to science have transformed the way chemistry is perceived and taught globally.
2024 Blaise Pascal Medals
Professor Joachim Sauer is honored with the Blaise Pascal Medal in Chemistry for his exceptional contributions to understanding catalytic reactions on the basis of quantum chemistry at all levels and through his intense collaboration with experimentalists.
His pioneering research, employing high-accuracy theory and mechanistic insight, has propelled our understanding of computational heterogeneous catalysis to unprecedented levels. Prof. Sauer’s innovative methods, including hybrid quantum mechanics-quantum mechanics calculations and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation, have revolutionized predictions for gas adsorption in materials like MOFs, enhancing our ability to design future separation technologies. His dedication to advancing heterogeneous catalysis, evident through editorial roles and leadership in research review committees, underscores his profound impact on theoretical guidance in crucial areas such as methane conversion.
Prof. Sauer’s transformative research merits the highest recognition, making him a fitting recipient of the Blaise Pascal Medal in Chemistry for 2024.
Professor Peter Smith has been awarded the 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Earth and Environmental Sciences for his groundbreaking contributions to understanding and mitigating climate change.
His innovative soil incubation methods and modeling techniques have challenged prevailing views, leading to a reshaped understanding of soil responses to climate change. Prof. Smith’s work has significantly improved the accuracy of soil carbon dynamics models, highlighting the potential of mineral soils to act as a net carbon sink under climate change. Furthermore, Prof. Smith has played a pivotal role in quantifying the greenhouse gas mitigation potential of managed land worldwide. His research has not only informed international climate policies but has also provided essential guidance for reducing emissions from agriculture and land use. Beyond academia, his contributions have resulted in practical tools like the Cool Farm Tool, empowering farmers to quantify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their farms. In recognition of his transformative research and its practical applications, Professor Pete Smith is a highly deserving recipient of the 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Professor Pol D. Spanos has been awarded the 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Engineering for his exceptional contributions to the field of dynamics.
As the L.B. Ryon Endowed Chair in Engineering at Rice University, USA, Prof. Spanos has spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in both theoretical and applied aspects of nonlinear dynamics. His innovative techniques have had a profound impact across industries such as aerospace, marine, and petroleum, revolutionizing dynamic analysis methodologies. His theoretical insights, ranging from equivalent linearization to statistical quadratization, have significantly advanced our understanding of structural behavior. These insights have not only led to more accurate predictions but have also empowered engineers to make better-informed decisions. With a mentorship legacy that includes over 55 Ph.D. and 75 MS students, Prof. Spanos has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of engineers, ensuring that his influence extends far beyond his own research endeavors. Prof. Spanos’s research, backed by numerous federal agencies, has had a tangible impact on industry practices, as evidenced by his extensive publication record and prestigious editorial roles in leading engineering journals. His dedication to teaching, research, and leadership has earned him recognition with awards such as the Theodore Von Kármán Medal and membership in esteemed academies.
Therefore, in acknowledgment of his transformative contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence, Professor Pol D. Spanos is a truly deserving recipient of the 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Engineering.
Professor Yury Gogotsi has been honored with the 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Materials Science for his exceptional contributions to the field.
As the Director of the A.J. Nanomaterials Institute and Distinguished University Professor at Drexel University, Prof. Gogotsi has spearheaded groundbreaking research in the synthesis and application of nanostructured materials. His pioneering work includes the discovery of MXenes, a novel family of two-dimensional materials renowned for their remarkable electrochemical properties. Through his research, Prof. Gogotsi has developed over 40 stoichiometric structures and numerous solid solutions, revolutionizing atomistic design and opening avenues for diverse technological applications. The versatile chemistry of MXenes has enabled tailored properties suitable for a wide array of applications, ranging from energy storage to healthcare. Prof. Gogotsi’s contributions extend beyond MXenes, encompassing the development of carbon materials for electrochemical energy storage, which has led to the commercialization of supercapacitors and other energy storage devices. His groundbreaking work has garnered international recognition, including prestigious awards such as the Jan Czochralski Award and the MRS Medal. With over 300 lectures worldwide, Prof. Gogotsi has been instrumental in disseminating knowledge and fostering the adoption of innovative materials and technologies. In acknowledgment of his transformative research and remarkable achievements, Prof. Yuri Gogotsi is a deserving recipient of the 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Materials Science.
Professor Alfio Quarteroni has been awarded the 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Mathematics in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field, particularly in applied mathematics.
Over three decades, Prof. Quarteroni has established himself as a leading figure globally, known for pioneering work in Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing. His research not only advances theoretical understanding but also offers practical solutions to real-world challenges. Notably, his leadership in designing a winning sailing boat for the Swiss team Alinghi, securing victory in the America’s Cup twice, highlights his ability to apply mathematics to engineering challenges with extraordinary success. Moreover, Prof. Quarteroni’s groundbreaking work on modeling the human heart, encompassing fluid dynamics, muscle mechanics, and the electrical heart system, has revolutionized medical treatment strategies. By developing comprehensive mathematical models, he provides invaluable insights for physicians, enhancing the accuracy of cardiac diagnosis and treatment. Beyond academia, Prof. Quarteroni’s impact extends to various sectors of society, from sports engineering to medical diagnostics. His dedication to bridging theory and practice has earned him widespread recognition, making him a distinguished member of the mathematical community and deserving recipient of the Blaise Pascal Medal.
Professor Michel Goldman has been honored with the 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Medicine and Life Sciences for his exceptional contributions to immunology and healthcare innovation.
His distinguished membership in esteemed institutions like the Royal Academy of Medicine of Belgium and the National Academy of Pharmacy in France underscores his profound dedication to advancing scientific understanding in these fields. Through groundbreaking research, Professor Goldman has illuminated crucial aspects of immunological processes, notably elucidating neonatal transplantation tolerance mechanisms and uncovering the molecular underpinnings of allergic disorders in early life. His work has not only expanded our knowledge but also paved the way for targeted therapies, offering hope for conditions like hyper-eosinophilic syndrome and chronic allograft rejection. Furthermore, Professor Goldman’s leadership extends beyond the laboratory. As the Founding President of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in healthcare at the Université libre de Bruxelles and the first Executive Director of the European Innovative Medicines Initiative, he has spearheaded initiatives bridging academia and industry to accelerate healthcare innovation. His commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration exemplifies the spirit of the Blaise Pascal Medal, making him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Professor Luis Silva has been honored with the 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Physics for his exceptional contributions to plasma physics, particularly in the realm of laser and particle beam interactions.
With a PhD in theoretical plasma physics from Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) in Lisbon, Professor Silva’s journey began with pioneering research alongside Professor John M. Dawson at UCLA’s Plasma Simulation Group, leading to groundbreaking insights into extreme plasma physics scenarios. Returning to Europe in 2001, Professor Silva spearheaded the establishment of a world-class research environment in Portugal, attracting top talent and securing funding for cutting-edge projects, including access to advanced computing resources. His research achievements are vast and impactful, ranging from predicting electron acceleration in laser wakefield regimes to formulating scaling laws for laser-driven plasma accelerators. Published in esteemed journals, his work has significantly advanced the field of plasma physics. Beyond research, Professor Silva actively engages in scientific dissemination and institutional responsibilities, delivering keynote talks at global conferences, contributing to educational initiatives, and holding leadership positions within scientific committees. Professor Luis Silva’s unwavering dedication to advancing plasma physics, coupled with his transformative research and leadership, epitomizes the spirit of innovation and excellence celebrated by the Blaise Pascal Medal in Physics. His profound impact on the field underscores his richly deserved recognition as a recipient of this prestigious award.
He has 25 years teaching experience, 31 years research experience and 12 years administration experience in 3 continentals; Asia, Africa and Europe. Al-Douri has been awarded OeAD Award, Austria 2020, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Award 2019, Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) Award 2019, TWAS-UNESCO Associateship (Twice) Award 2012 & 2015, one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, USA since 2020 and ongoing, and 75 awards and achievements. He has initiative of MSc Program in Nanotechnology Engineering, the first in Malaysia; Founder of Nano Computing Laboratory in Malaysia; Founder of Applied Materials Laboratory in Algeria; Founding Editor-in-Chief of Experimental and Theoretical Nanotechnology; Editor-in-Chief of World Journal of Nano Science and Engineering; Associate Editor of Nano-Micro Letters (Springer,Q1,IF=26.6), editor and reviewer of peer-reviewed journals; and supervisor of more than 25 PhD and MSc students. Furthermore, external examiner for 37 post-graduates’ viva-voca, McGraw–Hill’s publisher books and referee of King of Jordan Abdulla II bin Al-Hussein for Creative (Field: Recent Applications in Solar Energy) in 2014. Al-Douri’s field is Physics, Materials Science with focus on Nanomaterials, Nanoelectronics and Renewable Energy with a distinguished record of more than 860 publications including Citations > 12000 and h-index = 60. He has been awarded US$ 5.1M research grants. Al-Douri’s teaching philosophy is aimed to grow-up distinguished students for bright future. The teaching language is in English and French language in different courses of General Physics, Mathematical Methods in Physics, Electricity, Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Materials Science, Electronic Properties of Materials, Solid State Physics, Optics, Semiconductors Physics, Computational Physics, Electromagnetic Theory, Thermodynamic Materials, Electronic Materials Engineering, Materials Characterization, Electronic Metallurgy, Engineering Mathematics, Manufacturing Technology, Managing Engineering and Technology, Engineering Mechanics II, Circuits for undergraduates Bands Theory, Optoelectronic Materials for graduates. While, his research motivation focuses on renewable energy, solar cells, nanoelectronics, nanomaterials, water treatment, characterization, analysis of nanostructured materials (binary compounds, ternary, quaternary and quinternary alloys) using experimental methods of sol-gel technique, thermal evaporation, electrochemical etching, electrochemical deposition, pulsed laser deposition, pulsed laser ablation, rf sputtering and others, and modeling and simulation using theoretical methods of empirical, semi-empirical and first-principles calculations (DFT), Monte-Carlo (MC) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) methods to study different physical (electronic, structural, optical, thermal and positron) properties of nanostructures at ambient environment and external effects of pressure and temperature, and their technological applications. Al-Douri has published physical models registered under his name internationally.
Al-Douri’s ambitious is to disseminate the knowledge and information to all students of different nationalities and cultures, educate the society and widen the research network of collaboration overseas to enrich the scientific libraries and support the community of science and technology.
As a valued member of EurASc, Dr. Al-Douri continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the fields of Physics, Materials Science, and Renewable Energy.
EurASc proudly extends its congratulations to Dr. Yarub Al-Douri on this well-deserved honor.
The EurASc Annual Symposium & Ceremony 2024 will be held at the Academy of Sciences of Lisbon, on October 29-30th of 2024, under the General Theme of “Science for Sustainability” which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
It is open to all the academics and researchers who will be interested to join, upon registration.
All the scientific fields fostering sustainability will be welcome according to the Divisions of EurASc:
Chemistry, Computational and information sciences, Earth and environmental sciences, Engineering, Materials science, Mathematics, Medicine and life sciences, Physics, and Social sciences and Humanities.
Promotion of the interaction between the academic and industrial sectors will also be fostered.
The scientific programme will comprehend the presentation of Lectures, discussions and the Award and PrizesCeremony, where the Leonardo da Vinci Award and the Blaise Pascal Medals for outstanding scientific achievements will be awarded and lectures will be delivered by the awardees. A Welcome session of the New Members is also being arranged.
Within the celebration of the EurASc 20th year anniversary, the edition of a celebratory book (to be published by a major world publisher) is under consideration.
A social programme is being planned, with guided tours to Lisbon and cultural places closeby.
Our symposium convenes distinguished scientists from various fields, including Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Materials Science, and Life Sciences, representing a diverse spectrum of expertise from European countries, the USA, and China. Central to our mission is the facilitation of meaningful exchanges between academia and industry, fostering collaborative efforts towards sustainable advancements. As we mark the 20th anniversary of EurASc, we are excited to announce special initiatives such as the publication of a commemorative book and the creation of a commemorative medal. Beyond scholarly discourse, our social program offers networking opportunities and cultural experiences, including a conference dinner, a guided tour of Lisbon, and a possible excursion.
We extend this invitation to you to consider sponsoring this event. Please refer to the attached “Sponsoring” file for standard sponsorship options, though we are flexible and open to discussing customized arrangements to best align with your objectives and preferences.
Stay tuned!
Our event page is currently under construction, but we’re working hard to bring you an amazing experience. Exciting details coming soon!
The European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) is proud to announce that our esteemed member, Professor Omar M. Yaghi, has been honored with the 2024 Ernest Solvay Prize. This recognition underscores his pioneering contributions to reticular chemistry, a field dedicated to constructing chemical structures from molecular building blocks.
Reticular chemistry holds immense promise for the future, with applications ranging from CO2 capture and hydrogen storage to water harvesting and gas purification.
**About Professor Omar M. Yaghi:** Professor Yaghi, holding the James and Neeltje Tretter Chair Professorship in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, has been an integral part of EurASc since 2018. His groundbreaking work has significantly advanced the understanding and application of reticular chemistry, contributing to the scientific community’s pursuit of innovative solutions.
**Award Ceremony Details:** The award ceremony for the Ernest Solvay Prize by Syensqo is scheduled to take place at the Palais des Académies in Brussels on March 19, 2024. [Register HERE]
Join us in congratulating Prof. Omar M. Yaghi on this well-deserved recognition, showcasing the exceptional caliber of our EurASc members and their impactful contributions to the scientific community.
Professor Rodrigo Martins, President of the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc), served as one of the guest speakers at the session “Energizing Tomorrow: Unleashing the Power of Innovation in Clean Energy Transition” during the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28).
The session aimed to explore the paths and challenges toward halving carbon emission levels from 2018, focusing on the deployment and management of large-scale clean energy systems. Professor Martins, a renowned expert in the field, shared insights into this critical area, highlighting the significant strides made globally and his personal dedication to advancing clean energy technologies.
The distinguished panel also featured contributions from experts such as Neil Wilmshurst, Senior Vice President at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI); Mark Levine, Energy Division Director Emeritus at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and the principal author of the United Nations report on climate change; Ann-Kathrin Lipponer, Associate Program Officer at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Innovation and Technology Center. The discussion was moderated by H.E. Homaid Al-Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer at Mubadala.
The session, held on December 5th, provided valuable insights into global efforts to triple the capacity of renewable energy production, with 118 countries committing to this ambitious goal during COP28.
For more updates and information on EurASc’s involvement in shaping discussions on crucial topics, stay tuned to our website.
In January 2024, Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini started his tenure as president of the Federation of European Materials Societies (FEMS) for 2024-25. He was confirmed as FEMS president at the FEMS General Assembly that took place in Frankfurt, Germany, on 5th September 2023. Prof. Boccaccini has been a member of the Board of FEMS since 2016, representing the German Materials Society (DGM).
Speaking of his appointment, Prof. Boccaccini said “I am honoured to have been elected President of FEMS and I am looking forward to working together with the Management Team and FEMS Board to enhance FEMS impact and visibility in the materials science community in Europe and worldwide.Materials science and technology are the keys to tackle today’s important challenges in all areas; from energy, environment, and transport, to healthcare, and security among others. I hope to contribute to expand our FEMS activities so that materials are placed as essential contributors to improve technologies for a better future”.
A complete interview with Prof. Boccaccini is available in the FEMS website.
A press release is available at the page of the German Materials Society (DGM).
