The Ocean's essential role
The ocean, which covers 70% of the Earth's surface, is an exceptional reservoir of biodiversity and the primary regulator of our climate. According to the latest IPCC Report, its preservation and restoration are key levers in the fight against climate change.
Marine ecosystems hold many solutions that are being studied or still need to be explored. Unfortunately, they are threatened by human activities such as pollution, warming surface waters, and over-exploitation.
Through these awards, we seek to identify promising solutions for the preservation of the oceans and the development of environmentally friendly technologies inspired by the ingenuity of marine life. Our ambition is to demonstrate that marine ecosystems are not only essential to our planet's balance but also our best allies in the fight against climate change.
Ready to submit?
All applications and supporting files must be submitted through our dedicated online platform.
Each year, the awards provide a €50,000 grant to financially support and promote 4 winning projects. The selection process involves an annual call for projects, running from July to December. A scientific and academic jury leads the selection, ensuring that only projects with significant potential for effectiveness, real-world applicability, and clear social and economic benefits are chosen.
Who can apply?
All PhD students are eligible to apply. The awards are open to students from French doctoral schools as well as from equivalent foreign schools or those participating in European and international doctoral programs.
Thematic areas
An Ocean of Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity
Research for Ocean and Coastal Ecosystems
A program carried out in partnership with:
Since 2008, the Maud Fontenoy Foundation, recognized as being of general interest, has been committed in France and internationally to preserving our oceans. It carries out environmental education activities among the younger generation and the general public with the support of scientific partners and the Ministry of National Education, to which it is mandated for Education at the Sea and the revival of Seaside Classes.
Selection criteria
- Completeness of application: The submitted project must be fully presented and meet all requirements on the online registration form.
- Real-world applicability: Solutions must demonstrate their potential for real-world application, providing an example of their current or future effectiveness.
- Circularity: A key consideration is the presence of a virtuous circle, showcasing the solution's positive environmental, social, or economic dimensions.
- Technical and scientific coherence: Depending on the nature of the solution, we will pay close attention to its technical and scientific coherence.
The jury
Our jury is composed of members of the Maud Fontenoy Foundation and the FORVIA Foundation, renowned researchers in their field, as well as members of institutional scientific, academic and technological partners.
Prizes
A total grant of €50,000 is awarded to the winning projects.
- 1st Prize of a €25,000 value
- 2nd Prize of a €15,000 value
- 3rd Prize of a €10,000 value
- Special Prize of a €5,000 value
The funds can be used to support a variety of needs, including:
- Equipment and technology: to acquire the tools you need for your research.
- International mobility: to support travel for conferences or fieldwork.
- Field experimentation: to cover the costs of on-site research and data collection.
- Operating costs: to manage the day-to-day expenses of your project.
- Entrepreneurial projects: to help launch your solution and bring it to market.
How to apply?
Applications must be submitted directly by the PhD student. Your project must be supervised by a French doctoral school and a thesis director, or their equivalent abroad.
Managing the grant
When selected, the grant is paid directly to the institution that hosts and supervises your research. This institution is responsible for ensuring the funds are used exclusively for the presented project, and a written commitment to this effect must be included in your application file.
Key dates for the awards process:
- Application deadline: All applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025.
- Jury deliberation: The jury will meet to select the winners in March 2026.
- Results announcement: The results will be announced in April 2026.
- Awards ceremony: Winners will be invited to an awards ceremony organized by the Maud Fontenoy Foundation end may/ beginning of June.
Contacts
For any questions or requests for additional information, please contact us : secretariat@maudfontenoyfondation.fr
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit multiple projects?
In what form should I present my project?
Complete the online application form.
Attach a document of no more than 2 pages summarizing your project.
Attach an image (video, photo, diagram, etc.) to explain or illustrate your project.
Optional: If you deem it necessary, you may attach an additional document related to your research.
How will I know if my application has been selected?
There will be three or four winners
How many winners will there be?
Can a winner win multiple prizes?
When and where will the award ceremony take place?
Who is invited to the award ceremony?
I am having a problem submitting my application
Key dates for the awards process:
- Application deadline: All applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025.
- Jury deliberation: The jury will meet to select the winners in March 2026.
- Results announcement: The results will be announced in April 2026.
- Awards ceremony: Winners will be invited to an awards ceremony organized by the Maud Fontenoy Foundation end may/ beginning of June.
The jury
Our jury is composed of members of the Maud Fontenoy Foundation and the FORVIA Foundation, renowned researchers in their field, as well as members of institutional scientific, academic and technological partners.
External members of the 2025 jury
- Alexandra Lobko from the French National Museum of Natural History,
- Alain Renaudin co-founder of the Biomim'expo, and other distinguished experts and institutional partners
External members of the 2024 jury
- Nathalie Machon Director of the French National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) Doctoral School
- Emmanuelle PORCHER Holder of the annual Biodiversity and Ecosystems chair at the Collège de France for the 2023-2024 academic year (higher education and research institution)
Since its creation, the FORVIA Foundation have supported 6 doctoral students and researchers dedicated to innovative solutions for and by the Ocean.
Find out more about the previous edition laureates:
Laureates of the International Climate & Biodiversity Awards
