Franklin-Lavoisier Prize

A biennial prize open to individuals and groups worldwide who have made significant contributions that open up new perspectives for preserving, interpreting and sharing the history and heritage of chemistry. 

The Science History Institute is a US-based non-profit organisation that preserves and promotes understanding of the history of science. It was founded in 1982 as a joint venture of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the University of Pennsylvania.

The Maison de la Chimie (House of Chemistry) is an international chemistry conference centre located in Paris, France. It is managed by the Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie (House of Chemistry Foundation) which operates to provide support to chemistry researchers and practitioners by organising meetings and scientific events. Over its history, the Maison has been home to a range of scientific and technological associations.

In 2007, the Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie and the Science History Institute initiated a collaboration for a prize, titled the Franklin-Lavoisier Prize. Named in honour of Antoine Laurent Lavoisier and Benjamin Franklin, the Prize is intended to recognise exceptional work and notable efforts that aim to promote or progress the history and heritage of chemical science and technology. It rewards significant contributions, as well as original and novel work that opens up new domains and perspectives in the preservation, interpretation and sharing of chemistry’s history and heritage.

The prize is awarded biennially, alternating between France and the United States.