A total of six prizes are available across four categories to recognise the achievements of women in research and technology in France.

The Irène Joliot-Curie Prize, created in 2001 to promote the position of women in research and technology in France, is now accepting applications for 2026.

The Prize is open to scientists with exemplary careers and trajectories as well as those who combine excellence and dynamism. It is awarded by France’s Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche (MESR – Ministry for Higher Education and Research) and forms part of the Ministry’s strategy of promoting women in science and technology, encouraging participation in these fields.

Prizes are awarded in the following categories in 2026:

• Female Scientist of the Year: To recognise a woman who has made a significant contribution to public or private research through the open nature of her subject, the importance of her work and/or the national or international recognition her work has earnt.
• Young Female Scientist: To highlight and encourage a young woman distinguished by a trajectory and work that indicate a talented specialist in her field.
• Women, Research and Business: To recognise a woman who, through her scientific and technical excellence, demonstrates a commitment to developing innovations useful to society while working at or founding a business.
• Special Engagement Prize: To spotlight the career of a female scientist who is particularly involved in encouraging and promoting young girls (and young people in general) in science.

Eligible candidates are women who are dedicated to research in all scientific and/or technological fields, irrespective of nationality. If the research is conducted within a company, candidates must exercise their activities in France. If the research is conducted within a French public research organisation or a foundation reconnue d’utilité publique (with research as the main activity), candidates can conduct their activities in France or abroad.

A total of €160,000 is available for the four prize categories, divided as follows:

• €40,000 for the Female Scientist of the Year prize.
• €20,000 each for the three Young Female Scientist prizes.
• €20,000 for the Women, Research and Business prize.
• €40,000 for the Special Engagement prize.