Water, science and youth united at the University of Montpellier for the future
The ICIREWARD UNESCO International Water Centre and the Groupama Mediterranean Water Foundation have joined forces to launch the "Aqua Scientia" prize. Organized for the first time this year, and awarded every two years, the prize is designed to honor male and female researchers writing doctoral theses whose scientific work advances knowledge in the field of freshwater.
A lasting partnership for fresh water
Continental freshwater (rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater) is a vital, but increasingly fragile resource. It provides the bulk of drinking water, regulates ecosystems, harbors unique biodiversity and is indispensable to all activities, yet it can be formidable when present in excess (devastating floods) or in short supply (droughts).
Better understanding and managing this resource is a priority. With this in mind, the ICIREWARD UNESCO International Center for Water, a benchmark research and training center, and the Groupama Mediterranean Water Foundation, committed to preserving water in the Mediterranean region, have joined forces to launch the Aqua Scientia Prize to encourage young researchers working on this resource.
The prize will recognize the excellence, innovative nature and scientific impact of applied research in fields related to inland freshwater resources, in terms of quantity, management, sharing and/or quality, with an application in at least one of the 14 Mediterranean departments covered by the Groupama Mediterranean Water Foundation*.
* Alpes de Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Ardèche, Aude, Bouches-du-Rhône, Corse du sud, Drôme, Gard, Haute-Corse, Hautes-Alpes, Hérault, Pyrénées-Orientales, Var, Vaucluse.
Given the complexity of water-related challenges, the two partners will be particularly attentive to thesis work that takes a multi, inter or transdisciplinary approach, especially those that encourage collaboration between scientists, field players and public decision-makers.
Two winners, one message: science for the future
The Aqua Scientia prize is open to holders of a doctorate who have defended their thesis in a French university between January1, 2024 and December 31, 2025.A jury of experts (5 to 7 members) will select two winners - one male and one female - who will each receive 5,000 euros to encourage them to continue their work.Beyond the reward, this prize highlights young scientists and their role in the ecological transition and the sharing of knowledge.
" Scientific excellence is only meaningful if it is shared. The Aqua Scientia Prize recognizes research capable of advancing knowledge and responding to global and local water-related issues,"says Éric Servat, Director of the UNESCO ICIREWARD International Water Centre.
Thierry Bonnery, Chairman of the Groupama Méditerranée Water Foundation, comments : "This award illustrates the strength of the collective. By pooling our strengths and expertise, we can innovate and preserve this vital resource. Rewarding young talent means investing in a sustainable future.
Timetable and outlook
For this first edition, applications are open from October 23, 2025 to February 22, 2026. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in Montpellier in July 2026. Full details (rules, procedures and application form) are available on the websites of the ICIREWARD UNESCO International Water Centre and the Groupama Méditerranée Water Foundation.
This award is a continuation of the partnership already established between the two organizations, notably through the Water Foundation's support for the Water4Future Student Hackathon organized by the ICIREWARD UNESCO International Water Centre, symbolizing a shared commitment to stimulating innovation and research around freshwater.