Oceanographic Institute of Monaco - Doctoral Dissertation Award of the Oceanographic Institute

Doctoral Dissertation Award of the Oceanographic Institute

For an outstanding doctoral thesis on the subject of the ocean, you will receive a one-off prize of 5,000 EUR. This is a scientific prize, not a monthly scholarship. It is awarded annually by the Oceanographic Institute (Fondation Albert Ier, Prince de Monaco) in collaboration with the French Academy of Sciences. You will also become a member of the Institute’s ‘Club des Prix de Thèse’ (a network of former prize winners), receive support in presenting your work, and accept the prize at a ceremony in Monaco or Paris.

Who can apply

• Degree: You completed your PhD at a French doctoral school (école doctorale).
• Field of study: Your dissertation focuses on the ocean, regardless of your field of study. This could be physics or biology, or it could explore humanity’s relationship with the ocean, including law, geography or history.
• Timing: You have successfully defended your doctoral thesis within the last three years.
• Nomination: You must be nominated by a sponsor, such as your PhD supervisor, your laboratory head or someone who has been following your work. You cannot apply entirely on your own initiative.
• One per unit: Each research unit may nominate only one candidate (or two in the case of very large units), so your laboratory will decide whom to support.

How to apply

Your sponsor must submit your application by email by 31 July. It must include the application form, your CV, the two examiners’ reports, the dated report on your defence, your list of publications and the file containing your thesis. The winner will be announced at the start of the following year.

How realistic are your chances?

The field is narrowly defined. Applicants must hold a PhD from a French doctoral school on an ocean-related topic, and each research unit is generally only permitted to nominate one person, which keeps the pool of applicants small. The judges recognise truly innovative work that is underpinned by high-impact publications – ideally as first author. If your thesis stands out and your laboratory decides to nominate you, you have a genuine chance.