EU-40 Materials Prize renamed the Paul Siffert Award

11/11/2025

E-MRS was established in 1983 thanks to the vision and foresight of its founder Dr Paul Siffert.  He was elected as the inaugural President and served for five years. He then accepted the role of Secretary General in 1988, a position in which he led the society and masterminded its growth and influence until his retirement in 2024. 

It is impossible to overestimate his commitment and dedication to the work of the society and to the global materials science community.

On 11th November 2025 Paul celebrated his 90th Birthday and to ensure that the name of Paul Siffert is permanently recognised the Officers and members of the Society have taken the decision to rename one of its prestigious awards as the Paul Siffert Award.

From 2026 the E-MRS EU-40 Materials Prize will be known as the Paul Siffert Award. The criteria for the award will remain unchanged - a young researcher, aged under 40, whose work has already had a major impact in the field of Materials Science research and has led to great expectations for future research leadership. Although the award is not restricted to European citizens the research, for which the prize is awarded, must have been carried out in a European university, research institute or industry.

Throughout his career Paul had always been and enthusiastic supporter of young researchers and it is felt that it is most appropriate that this award should be permanently associated with the name Paul Siffert.

Nominations for the first laureate of the 2026 Paul Siffert Award are now being sought and full details may be found HERE.