The Research Grand Prix of the Fondation Sopra Steria – Institut de France aims to recognise researchers or doctoral candidates working at a research organisation based in Europe, such as a university, research institute or laboratory. The organisation must operate on a non-profit basis and in public interest, with the primary objective of conducting fundamental, industrial or applied research, or experimental development. The results of the research supported must be disseminated through open models and made available for use in teaching, publication, technology transfer, and/or participation in certification activities. The Grand Prix falls covers the following research area: 

 Artificial intelligence and responsible sustainable technologies

The rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence has brought it to the forefront of public debate. Its use now spans all areas of economic, social and cultural life, transforming how people learn, think, work, create, access information, make decisions and interact. These developments offer considerable opportunities to improve productivity and advance science and technology but also raise fundamental questions about the effects of AI on individuals, groups, organisations and society. 

Despite AI’s transformative potential, its social impacts remain insufficiently documented. A technology set to play a defining role in our societies needs to be developed with a clear understanding of its benefits, risks and trade-offs, grounded in robust, objective evidence. Generating and sharing this evidence is now essential to inform public debate, guide collective decisions and support the development of AI in public interest. 

Sopra Steria promotes responsible AI, focused on uses addressing essential needs, with its social effects assessed and the findings shared transparently. This is not just an ethical issue but a strategic one. Public acceptance of digital technologies depends on demonstrating the tangible benefits they bring to society and acknowledging their limitations.

PURPOSE OF THE PRIZE 

The 2027 edition of the Fondation Sopra Steria – Institut de France Research Prize focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence on knowledge acquisition among children, adolescents or young adults.  It covers the full course of their education, from foundational learning to higher education and training to the transition into working life.

The Prize aims to support research that advances understanding of how AI affects the way in which young people acquire, draw on, deepen and update their knowledge. Here, knowledge is understood broadly to encompass academic knowledge, cognitive and social skills, methodological skills, critical thinking and the intellectual dispositions needed for learning.

The Prize recognizes ongoing research on the theme that has already produced significant initial findings. The funding acknowledges the scientific quality of the work undertaken and supports its continuation, whether through further investigation, implementation, fieldwork or action research, or by exploring new avenues arising from the findings.

Applications may draw on the humanities and social sciences, including education, psychology, cognitive science, sociology, information and communication sciences, political science, law, linguistics and anthropology. They may draw on any other relevant scientific discipline or take a multidisciplinary approach.

The Fondation Sopra Steria Research Grand Prize carries an award of €100,000. The award is paid directly to the research organisation or scientific cooperation foundation hosting the research.

Research may address one or more of the following areas:

·         Analysing the effects of AI on young people’s access to knowledge 

Research may examine how AI is changing young people’s access to knowledge and the ways in which they learn across educational, academic and social settings.

·         Measuring the effects of AI on the cognitive and intellectual abilities involved in learning

Research may examine, for example, the effects of AI on executive functions (including reasoning, analysis and problem-solving), language and expression, and memory and retention. It may also explore how AI affects the development of capacities such as creativity, critical thinking, autonomy, curiosity and perseverance.

·         Identifying the conditions under which AI can support learning and intellectual autonomy

Research may examine the conditions under which AI can enhance learning, deepen knowledge and support skills development during childhood and throughout education and training. In particular, it may explore teaching practices and the roles of teachers, parents, trainers, educators, institutions, healthcare professionals and the media. It may also examine the learning environments and forms of guidance that enable young people to benefit from AI at different stages of development.

Assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

·         the scientific quality of the research;

· its contribution to advancing knowledge in the thematic area of the Prize;

· the originality of the research topic and approach;

·         methodological rigour;

·         the relevance of the results to the theme of the Prize;

·         the potential for academic, educational and societal impact;

· the quality of the strategy for disseminating research findings.

Applications for the Grand Prix must include the following documents:

For applications submitted by a legal entity : 

·         A letter of application signed by the applicant entity’s legal representative, confirming that the host organisation supports the project, provides the necessary material resources and integrates the research into its strategy (1 page).

·         A scientific report describing the work of the researcher, team and/or laboratory, detailing contributions to date and work in progress relevant to the aims of the Grand Prize (maximum 3 pages).

·         A statement explaining the choice of research topic, how the research contributions advance existing scientific knowledge, and the anticipated impact of the research. This should cover, in particular, potential educational, social, technological, policy-related or other applications or implications, and/or opportunities identified for further development.

·         A brief CV for each person leading the research (1 page each).

·         A list of key publications supporting the application (maximum 5 pages).

·         A letter of recommendation from a recognised academic or scientific expert with expertise in the research topic, such as an academic referee familiar with the work, a specialist in the field or the director of another laboratory working in a related field. The person providing the recommendation must not have a direct conflict of interest.

·         An outline of plans to disseminate the research, including through publications, teaching, doctoral supervision and conferences.

For applications submitted by one or more individuals:

·         A signed application letter setting out the applicant’s or applicants’ motivation and reasons for choosing the research topic, how their research contributions advance existing scientific knowledge, and the anticipated impact of the research. This should cover, in particular, potential educational, social, technological, policy-related or other applications or implications, and/or opportunities identified for further development. All applicants must sign the letter.

·         A scientific report describing the research, highlighting contributions to date and work in progress relevant to the aims of the Grand Prix (maximum 3 pages).

·         A list of key publications supporting the application (maximum 5 pages).

·         A brief CV for each applicant (1 page each).

·         A letter of recommendation from a recognised academic or scientific expert with expertise in the research topic, such as an academic referee familiar with the work, a specialist in the field or the director of another laboratory working in a related field. The person providing the recommendation must not have a direct conflict of interest.

·         An outline of plans to disseminate the research, including through publications and conferences.

Applications must be submitted in French or English, using 11-point Arial.

For further information, please contact the Foundations Department at Institut de France
Tel.: 01 44 41 87 71
Email: clemence.morin@institutdefrance.fr