Arkema, Académie Des Sciences launch annual prize for innovative materials geared toward environmental sustainability

Arkema (Colombes, France) and the French Académie Des Sciences have launched a prize for “Innovation in Chemistry for Sustainable Materials.” The winnings, a sum of €25,000, are intended to reward a scientist of international standing in the field of materials. It specifically rewards scientific work that contributes to the development of innovative materials at the service of environmental protection and sustainability. Arkema gives the example of bio-sourced, recyclable, high-performance and lightweight materials for renewable energy, sustainable construction or mobility.

Arkema notes its long history of breakthroughs in innovative, environmental-friendly materials, including the company’s Rilsan polyamide 11, Pebax Rnew elastomers for sports shoes, Elium resin for recyclable wind turbine blades, its Kizen bonding technology for more sustainable packaging, Sartomer photocure resins for coatings and 3D printing and a number of solutions for developing high-performance electric batteries. Arkema says by joining forces with the Académie Des Sciences —  committed to scientific development, promoting science education and fostering the transfer of knowledge as well as international cooperation — the company is encouraging research in these sectors. 

The generosity of donors and public and private partners, enables the Académie Des Sciences to award numerous prizes, scholarships and medals every year. These awards honor accomplished scientists or support young researchers early on in their careers. 

“This prize will reward highly talented scientists working to improve the environment. It is perfectly in line with Arkema’s new brand signature: ‘Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World.’ It reflects our belief that scientific research and technological innovation will be major contributors to the positive development of society,” explains Armand Ajdari, Arkema Group R&D CTO.

“The Académie Des Sciences is particularly committed to encouraging major scientific advances, including those that matter to society,” adds Patrick Flandrin, president of the Académie Des Sciences. “By creating this prize for ‘Innovation in Chemistry for Sustainable Materials,’ in partnership with Arkema, the Académie Des Sciences demonstrates its concern for environmental protection and sustainability.”

The Académie Des Sciences will launch a call for proposals at the beginning of 2022, specifying the terms for submitting and presenting applications. The Arkema – Académie Des Sciences prize for “Innovation in Chemistry for Sustainable Materials” will be awarded annually in the fall at a ceremony at the Academy’s Paris location.