The Anton Dohrn Prize for Research Excellence in the Science of Marine Life

 Junior Prize

Organized by: Fondazione Dohrn and Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn

 

CALL FOR NOMINATION

1. Purpose of the Prize

The Anton Dohrn prize will recognize individuals whose contributions have advanced our scientific understanding of any aspect of marine life, including its evolution and capacity to adapt to a changing environment.

The prize intends to highlight the importance of marine studies in furthering our knowledge of the function and development of living organisms and reinforce public awareness of the sea, its inhabitants, and its impact on biogeochemical cycles.

2. Why Anton Dohrn and the Stazione Zoologica

The visionary approach of Anton Dohrn that led to the foundation of the Stazione Zoologica in Naples is still entirely valid. The richness of marine biodiversity, that Anton Dohrn explored in order to prove the theory of evolution, continues to provide new insights, now with increased amplitude and detail owing to the introduction of genomics in the exploration of marine life.

In recognition of this vision and of the role that the Stazione Zoologica, that he established in Naples, played in the history of biology and of biological research, the Stazione Zoologica and its sister organization, the Dohrn Foundation, have decided to launch a prize dedicated to the legacy of Anton Dohrn.

3. Prize Details

The award will be given to a single individual and it will include:

  • A monetary prize of 1,000 €
  • An invitation to deliver a keynote lecture to the general public at the Stazione Zoologica
  • Media coverage and dissemination through partner networks
Eligibility:
  • Individuals of all nationalities can be nominated.
  • The award will be given to the best PhD thesis completed in the last 5 years (phd thesis completed from 2021 onward. Theses completed before 2021 will not be considered).
  • The thesis must be related to the scientific understanding of marine life.
  • Nominations of candidates for the prize can be submitted by scientists or institutions using the link below.
    Self-nomination will not be considered.
Nomination forms must include:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • List of up to 3 key publications
  • An abstract of the thesis including a summary of the key findings (max 5000 characters including spaces)
Selection process:

A committee of high-profiles scientists will examine the nominations and will identify, on the basis of the quality of the nominated scientist (CV) and the scientific quality of the PhD thesis and the key findings presented, the individual that will be considered the best among all the nominees.

Nomination should be uploaded by October 1st, 2026.
The Award will be delivered in a public ceremony to be held in the City Hall of Naples.

Upload Nominations Here

Contact Information:

Fondazione Dohrn
Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
Email: premiodohrn@fondazionedohrn.it