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!
The awards ceremony will take place at the 2024 Symposium & Ceremony of the European Academy of Sciences, scheduled to be held at the Academia das Ciências de Lisboa on October 29-30, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal.
2024 Leonardo da Vinci Award
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 Yuri 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.