The third Stanisław Lem European Prize Competition has been launched for a main prize of PLN 100 000 for a young scientist whose research is likely to have a positive impact on the future of our civilisation. Applications can be sent in until 30 September.

Stanislaw Lem was a visionary, futurist combining technology with the development of civilisation. He was such an exceptional figure that even today his work also influences people responsible for creating new technologies. The prize named after him is aimed at young scientists whose discoveries may change the world in the future. It was established in 2021 to commemorate the 100th birthday of the outstanding Polish science fiction novelist, who received an honorary doctorate from the Wrocław University of Technology in 1981. This university took the initiative to award the distinction.

The first laureate was Professor Randall J. Platt, an expert in genetic engineering from the Federal University of Technology in Zurich. He has built up a scientific team there to develop and refine applications of indicator cell technology. Scientists there are aiming to create completely new methods for biomedical engineering.

The second award winner is Professor Samuel Stranks from the University of Cambridge, a specialist in optoelectronics. With his team, he is working on new materials for low-cost, next-generation electronic devices to drive the energy transition. The researchers’ interests include building solar cells that generate green energy and fuels, as well as efficient lighting technologies.

The Stanisław Lem European Prize is intended for scientists under 40 years of age studying or conducting research in the European Union and associated countries participating in Horizon Europe. It is awarded annually for a recent discovery or significant achievement in the broad fields of science and engineering, with strong elements of technology, interdisciplinarity, creativity and vision.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński