The FNR is pleased to announce that applications for the 2021 FNR Awards are now being accepted. Deadline is Wednesday, 10 February 2021, 14:00 CET. With the 2021 FNR Awards, the FNR introduces changes to the award categories.
Since 2009, the FNR has held the annual FNR Awards, where researchers and science communicators are recognised for outstanding efforts. Awards are presented in different categories, with each award doted with a 5000 EUR prize. Since 2009, over 70 FNR Awards have been awarded to researchers and science communicators in Luxembourg to recognise their contributions.
2021 changes to categories
As of the 2021 FNR Awards, the categories are as follows:
- Outstanding PhD Thesis
- Outstanding Scientific Achievement – new!
- Outstanding Promotion of Science to the Public
- Outstanding Mentor – new!
The FNR Awards are presented at an official celebration – the FNR Awards Ceremony – which also serves as a celebration of science and research in Luxembourg. In 2020, the celebration took place in a 100% digital format for the first time.
Why change the categories?
Over 70 FNR Awards have been presented since 2009. Starting with the FNR Awards 2021, the FNR aims to give further credit to the people behind research: the drivers of innovation and societal impact. Therefore, the FNR introduces two new categories, the FNR Award for Outstanding Mentor and the FNR Award for Scientific Achievement.
New: Outstanding Mentor
Mentorship is essential for driving research and helping the next generation of scientists to become independent researchers. Good mentorship goes beyond professional development, shaping individual scientists, impacting scientific careers, as well as passing along positive research values such as research integrity, scientific credibility and fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment. Through the FNR Award for Outstanding Mentor, the FNR wants to recognize outstanding mentorship and reward this important but sometimes unappreciated element of research.
New: Outstanding Scientific Achievement
At the same time, the FNR wants to attribute more value to research projects that shape their scientific field instead of zooming in on a single output such as a scientific publication or a marketable product. The FNR again aims to put the team of researchers at the centre, passionate people that want to make a change through their science and work to generate impact for both science and society.
Therefore, the FNR replaces the two categories Outstanding Scientific Publication and Outstanding Research-Driven Innovation with the new category Outstanding Scientific Achievement. This new award will furthermore help the public to change their perception of a successful researcher from someone who must publish in prestigious scientific journals towards a team that aims to change science and society for the better.
How to apply
If you wish to apply for an FNR Award, please consult the guidelines and fill out the corresponding application form. Applications must be sent via email to jill.mousel@fnr.lu before 14:00 CET on Wednesday, 10 February 2021.
Guidelines and application forms are available on the FNR Awards page
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