Every year, alternatively under the disciplines of the two divisions of Academy of Sciences, the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation of the Institut de France awards a scientific prize based on the recommendations of a jury of members of the Institut de France. The Grand Prix will be awarded to a French or European scientist and his/her team that will propose an ambitious research project on a promising theme.

In 2016, the theme retained for the 2^nd division is : Neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases affect brain function or more generally the nervous system. They are chronic disabling diseases with a slow evolution. They cause a deterioration of the function of nerve cells, particularly neurons, which can lead to their death. The consequence for the patient is a progressive and often irreversible impairment of nerve function. The symptoms associated with these diseases are varied and can affect cognitive, sensory and motor functions. The most known diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis as well as various rare diseases. It is estimated that the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease worldwide will increase from 30 million people affected now to more than 100 million people in 2050. Several genetic or environmental factors have been identified or several pathological mechanisms have been characterized. However, so far the treatments were ineffective. It is necessary to combine fundamental and clinical research.

The Simone and Cino Del Duca Prize 2016 of the Institute of France this year will reward exceptional work that has enabled new insights into the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. A priority will be given to clearly innovative projects whether they concern pathophysiology or therapy.

The prize is as follows:
a) 200,000 € to finance the work of the award-winning group,
b) 25,000 € awarded to the director of the research group,
c) 50,000 € (maximum amount paid on supporting) towards the hiring of one or more French or foreign postdoctoral researchers to be selected by the group director, in the two years following the award of the prize. An agreement will be established between the laboratory and the Foundation Del Duca to define the conditions of payment.

The call for applications is to be found here.

Deadline of application is the 20th of January 2016