Académie François Bourdon - François Bourdon History Prize

François Bourdon History Prize

You will receive a one-off cash prize of 2,000 EUR if you are an established researcher, or 1,000 EUR if you are an early-career researcher. The prize recognises outstanding historical research: a published book, a successfully defended doctoral thesis, a manuscript for a habilitation thesis or a Master’s thesis, provided that the work deals with technology, the economy or industrial societies. It is awarded once a year by the Académie François Bourdon in conjunction with the Fondation Arts et Métiers, which funds the prize.

Who can apply

• What you submit: For the prize, worth 2,000 EUR: a published book, a successfully defended doctoral thesis or an HDR manuscript (the French qualification entitling the holder to supervise research projects). For the prize worth 1,000 EUR: a Master’s thesis that has been successfully defended.
• When it was finished: Your thesis was published or defended between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2026.
• Field of study: Any subject in the humanities or social sciences, provided that the thesis deals with technology, the economy or industrial societies.
• Language: Her work is written in French.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Past winners: You have not yet won the Bourdon Prize in the category for which you are applying.

How to apply

Please submit your application by email by 17 January 2027. Please include the full text of your thesis, a CV, the examination board’s report on your diploma or Master’s thesis, and a signed declaration regarding plagiarism. A panel will review the entries in two rounds – in March and May – before selecting the winners.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a single prize with a narrowly defined focus. Your paper must be written in French and relate to the history of technology, economics or industry. Whilst this does narrow the field, the fact that only one paper per category is awarded the prize each year means there is genuine competition amongst qualified researchers. A compelling, well-thought-out piece of research stands out in particular.