Article 1 — Purpose of the Award

The CenTRA PhD Award in f-Element Chemistry recognizes outstanding doctoral research in the chemistry of f-elements, including lanthanides and/or actinides.
The award aims to highlight the scientific excellence and potential of young researchers working in French laboratories whose work makes a significant contribution to the advancement of fundamental or applied knowledge of these elements.

Article 2 — Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have defended a PhD thesis at a higher education or research institution located in France, or within a joint-supervision (co-tutelle) framework involving such an institution.
• The PhD defense must have taken place between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
• The research must focus on the chemistry of lanthanides and/or actinides, and may include topics such as synthesis, characterization, spectroscopy, modeling, catalysis, radiochemistry, materials, or environmental chemistry.

Article 3 — Application Package

Applications must be submitted in PDF format and include the following documents:

• A detailed curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and conference presentations resulting from the PhD work;
• The complete PhD manuscript, in French or English (preferably as a link providing access to download);
• The defense report and pre-defense reports;
• A letter of recommendation from the thesis supervisor;
• A two-page summary highlighting the originality and key contributions of the research.

Applications must be sent no later than March 1 to the following address:
prixdethese2026@felements.fr

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Article 4 — Jury and Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a scientific jury appointed by the CenTRA Board of Directors.
The jury will include at least five members who are recognized experts in lanthanide and actinide chemistry.

Evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

• Originality and scientific quality of the research;
• Potential impact on the field of f-element chemistry;
• Involvement in outreach or scientific dissemination activities related to f-elements;
• Scientific output associated with the thesis work.

The jury’s deliberations are confidential, and its decisions are final. The jury reserves the right not to award the prize if no application meets the expected level of excellence.

Article 5 — Award and Benefits

The laureate will receive:

• A monetary award of 300 euros;
• An invitation to present their research at the annual meeting of CenTRA.

Article 6 — Communication and Promotion

CenTRA reserves the right to communicate publicly the following information:

• The name of the laureate;
• The title and abstract of the thesis;
• Biographical information provided by the candidate.

By submitting an application, candidates authorize CenTRA to use this information for communication and promotional purposes related to the award and the association’s activities.

Article 7 — Timeline

• Opening of applications: January 1, 2026
• Application deadline: March 1, 2026
• Announcement of the laureate: July 10, 2026
• Award ceremony: during the CenTRA annual meeting in November 2026

These dates may be adjusted each year by decision of the Board of Directors.

Article 8 — Acceptance of the Rules

Participation in the CenTRA PhD Award in f-Element Chemistry implies full acceptance of these regulations.