Catherine Chauvel receives the Léon Lutaud Prize from the Academy of Sciences

Founded in 1966 by Colbert, the Academy of Sciences is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the world. Its mission is to promote scientific excellence, support research and highlight discoveries that advance knowledge in all fields. Each year, it awards numerous prizes and medals to recognise outstanding work and encourage researchers who contribute to promoting French science internationally.

It was in this context that, on 28 October, Catherine Chauvel, Director of Research at the CNRS at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, received this award. A renowned geochemist, she combines the study of trace elements and isotopic systems to understand the evolution of the Earth over geological time. Her work on hot spot volcanoes, continental crust and subduction zones has demonstrated the role of plate tectonics in the diversity of lavas produced by the Earth’s mantle. Her award is therefore fully in line with the tradition of excellence of the French Academy of Sciences, which each year recognises major advances in Earth and Universe sciences.