Fondation pour les Générations Futures - HERA Award Sustainable Economy | Social Economy

HERA Award Sustainable Economy | Social Economy

You receive a one-off prize of 2,500 EUR for a master's thesis on the social economy. The money goes only to the winner, not to the runners-up. It can be paid into your private account or that of a research institution. On top of the cash, your work gets media coverage, a presentation on the foundation's website and a publicity campaign. The award is given by the Fondation pour les Générations Futures in Namur, Belgium, as a special prize within its HERA Awards.

The social economy means economic activity run by cooperatives, associations, mutual societies, foundations or purpose-driven organisations. These bodies put people and the common good before profit, run themselves independently and decide democratically. Your thesis must deal with this field and link it to sustainable development and the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You wrote a master's thesis. Specialised master's degrees do not count, except one in medicine.
• Where you studied: You defended the thesis at a French-speaking university or college in Belgium recognised by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.
• Timing: You defended the thesis between 1 January 2025 and 10 October 2026.
• Grade: Your thesis earned at least a "distinction" mark.
• Subject: Any field fits if the thesis contributes to the social economy. Economics, management and business engineering students are most common.
• Nationality and age: Open to all nationalities, with no age limit.
• New entries only: You cannot re-enter a thesis already submitted to an earlier edition.

How to apply

You apply online through the foundation's website. Fill in the form in French and submit your thesis in French or English. For the 2027 edition, applications open on 18 May 2026 and close on 10 October 2026 at midnight. A jury first picks finalists from the forms, then reads the full theses to choose the winner. The prize is awarded at a ceremony on 13 April 2027 in Namur.