Francqui Prize

The Francqui Prize, also known as the Francqui Award, is a prestigious Belgian scientific prize awarded annually to a Belgian scholar who has made a significant contribution to science or the humanities. It is considered the highest distinction a Belgian scientist or scholar can achieve.

The prize was established in 1932 by the Francqui Foundation, which was founded by Émile Francqui and the Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF). The purpose of the Foundation is to promote scientific research in Belgium.

The Francqui Prize alternates annually between the exact sciences, the human sciences (humanities), and the biological and medical sciences.

The prize consists of a cash award of €250,000 (as of 2024) and a symbolic prize, typically a work of art.

The selection process is rigorous and involves a jury of international experts. Candidates are nominated by Belgian universities and research institutions. The jury assesses the candidates' scientific or scholarly achievements, their impact on their field, and their originality.

The Francqui Prize is a testament to the importance of scientific research and scholarship in Belgium, and it plays a significant role in promoting excellence in these fields. It recognizes outstanding achievements and encourages future generations of Belgian scholars to pursue careers in science and the humanities.