Prix de la recherche du Département du Val-de-Marne

Prix de la recherche du Val-de-Marne

You win a share of a total prize pot of 22,500 EUR for an outstanding Master's thesis or doctoral thesis. The money is split among several winners in two categories: doctoral theses and Master 2 dissertations. In the 2023 round, 8 theses and 4 dissertations were awarded. The prize is given each year by the Val-de-Marne department, a local authority just southeast of Paris, to support research linked to the area. Winners receive their award at an official ceremony and give a short presentation of their work.

Who can apply

• Level: You have recently defended a Master 2 dissertation or a doctoral thesis.
• Timing: You defended your thesis on or after 1 January 2022.
• Link to Val-de-Marne: At least one of these applies: you live in the Val-de-Marne (postcode 94), you did your research at a university in the Val-de-Marne, or your topic is connected to the area.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply, as long as you meet the link to the Val-de-Marne.

How to apply

You apply online through the form on the Val-de-Marne department's website. Submit your thesis or dissertation together with your application file. Applications usually open in autumn; for the 2024 round the deadline was 22 December 2023. A jury from the department then judges the work.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut narrowly. You need a recent Master's or doctoral thesis with a clear tie to the Val-de-Marne, so the eligible group is small. Because the pot is shared among a dozen or so winners each year, well-matched applicants have real prospects. Your chances rest mostly on the quality of the research itself, judged against others in the same category.