Helmut Schwarz Awarded the Wolf Prize in Chemistry 2025

Helmut Schwarz Awarded the Wolf Prize in Chemistry 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/

Susan Scott Awarded the George Szekeres Medal

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

Ana Pombo – Winner of the 2025 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize

Ana Pombo – Winner of the 2025 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize

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 Candidatures – EurASc By-Elections 2025 (Divisions)

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.

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.

EurASc Webinar Series

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

March 11th, 2025

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

last EVENTS

January 9, 2025

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.

Call for 2025 EurASc Awards Nominations

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!

EurASc Synthetic Report: 3rd CAS-EurASc Frontier Forum on Progress in Ocean Science and Technology

EurASc Synthetic Report: 3rd CAS-EurASc Frontier Forum on Progress in Ocean Science and Technology

Following the successful conclusion of the 3rd CAS-EurASc Frontier Forum on “Progress in Ocean Science and Technology” held on November 18-19, 2024, we are pleased to share a comprehensive synthetic report detailing the key insights and discussions from the event.

The Forum, a collaborative initiative between the European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) and the Earth Sciences Division of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), focused on advancements in ocean science and technology. With around 30 participants and over 6,000 people tuning in via livestream, the event provided an important platform for interdisciplinary exchanges between China and Europe.

Key topics included Digital Twin Oceans, AI applications in ocean science, coastal sustainability, and carbon cycle management, with expert speakers addressing cutting-edge research and technological advancements in these areas.

We would like to extend special credit to Professor Paul Tréguer (University of Brest, France), who, alongside Professor Jing Zhang (East China Normal University / Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China), co-chaired the event and played a pivotal role in facilitating these vital discussions.

To access the full report of the 3rd CAS-EurASc Frontier Forum on Ocean Science and Technology, please click here. [Link to Report]

We encourage you to explore the detailed discussions and recommendations presented by the Forum’s participants as we continue working toward advancing our collective understanding of ocean ecosystems and sustainability.

>>Link to access the records of the CAS-EurASc <<

 

#EurASc #OceanScience #Sustainability #ArtificialIntelligence #MarineTechnology #InternationalCollaboration #CAS #ClimateChange #OceanResearch #DigitalTwinOceans #PaulTreguer

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

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

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.

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 will deliver a lecture at the 24th International Symposium on Fluorine Chemistry in Shanghai, China, in 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.

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

Paolo Samorì Awarded the 2024 Luigi Tartufari Prize in Physics and Chemistry

Paolo Samorì Awarded the 2024 Luigi Tartufari Prize in Physics and Chemistry

The prestigious 2024 Luigi Tartufari Prize in Physics and Chemistry has been awarded to Professor Paolo Samorì by the Italian National Academy (Academia Nazionale dei Lincei). The award ceremony took place on November 7, 2024, in Rome, where the Academy recognized outstanding achievements across various scientific disciplines.

Professor Samorì was honored for his exceptional contributions to the fields of nanochemistry, nanoscience, and functional materials. His pioneering work has been instrumental in opening new chemical frontiers, particularly in organic and graphene-based electronics. His innovative approach combines high control over supramolecular arrangements in multicomponent systems with state-of-the-art methods for unraveling the physicochemical properties of molecular nanostructures. This research aims to develop molecular nanomaterials with unique and multiple properties that can be applied to technologically relevant areas such as nanotechnology, organic opto- and nanoelectronics, and sensing technologies.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Paolo Samorì is a distinguished member of EurASc and currently serves as an Officer of the Division of Materials Science.

This recognition follows the recent announcement of the 2024 Luigi Tartufari Prize in Mathematics, Mechanics, and Applications, awarded to Professor José A. Carrillo, also a valued member of EurASc and Head of the Division of Mathematics.

We congratulate Professor Samorì on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the continued impact of his transformative research in the fields of nanochemistry and nanoscience.

#LuigiTartufariPrize #PhysicsAndChemistry #Nanochemistry #Nanoscience #MaterialsScience #EurASc #Innovation #PaoloSamorì #ScientificExcellence #Rome2024

Ways of Comprehending | The Grand Illusion and the Essence of being Human

Ways of Comprehending | The Grand Illusion and the Essence of being Human

© 2024
Modern Mathematical Methods for Scientists and Engineers | A Street-Smart Introduction

Author: Athanassios Fokas (University of Cambridge, UK & University of Southern California, USA)

Published: October 2024
ISBN: 978-1-80061-514-4

o comprehend the world around us, we first have to decipher how our brains work. This book outlines a new approach to knowledge and comprehension based on the elucidation of several basic neuronal mechanisms. It explores the crucial fact that unconscious processes and conscious experiences form a continuum and, importantly, introduces the concept of metarepresentations. This fundamental notion captures the essence of being human, namely, what separates us from our evolutionary predecessors. Important examples of metarepresentations are language, mathematics, technology and the arts. The interdisciplinary, integrative approach of this book demonstrates how different disciplines and notions which appear disconnected are actually closely related. Furthermore, this approach elucidates how we think about topics such as mathematics, physics, painting, music and philosophy. Most significantly, it helps us understand the origin of our thoughts, feelings and actions, bringing deep insight and fulfilment or, more precisely, eudemonia.

Sample Chapter(s)
5: From Homeostasis and Consciousness to Metarepresentations: A Uniquely Human Characteristic

Contents:

  • About the Author
  • Acknowledgements
  • Prologue
  • Preliminaries
  • Basic Notions:
    • Introduction to Neurophysiology
    • Introduction to Neuroanatomy
    • Perception as the Solution of an Inverse Problem
    • From Homeostasis and Consciousness to Metarepresentations: A Uniquely Human Characteristic
  • The Transformative Role of Rerepresentations and Cultural versus Biological Evolution:
    • The Origin of Metarepresentations and Language
    • The Metarepresentations of Arts, Mathematics, Computations, and Technology
    • Biological versus Cultural Evolutions
  • The Interplay Between Unconscious and Conscious Processes:
    • Innate Knowledge and Learning
    • Memory and Learning
    • The Neuronal Substrates of Unconscious Processes and Conscious Experiences
    • Details of Visual Perception
    • Light, Vision, and Art
  • Functional Imaging, Brain Stimulation, and Medicine:
    • The Functional Imaging Techniques of PET and SPECT and the Diagnosis of Dementia
    • The Functional Imaging Technique of FMRI and an Astonishing Medical Application
    • Different Types of Brain Stimulations, Parkinson’s Disease, Major Depression, and Bipolar Disorder
    • The Interdisciplinary Nature of Medicine
  • The Quest for the Hidden Reality:
    • Abstraction and Generalizing are the Essential Features of Mathematics
    • How Can the Problem of Consciousness be Solved?
  • Epilogue
  • Index

Readership: This book is suitable for any university student and university graduate independent of area of matriculation. The book will be equally useful to individuals in arts and the humanities, and ideal for a course within the context of Great Ideas.

For more information on this book, CLICK HERE

 

Antonio Damasio, a preeminent worldwide neuroscientist in the area of emotions-feelings, writes in his endorsement:”[…] In brief, we need to comprehend how we comprehend. This is the monumental enterprise that Athanassios Fokas has set for himself, and his new book shows that he is succeeding”. Also, the leading neuroscientist Nikos Logothetis writes: “A marvellous book. It is remarkable that questions which distinguished neuroscientists, including Noble Laureates, could not address, are answered by Fokas. If this book is studied, it will have a significant impact on our culture”.