Professor Véronique Gouverneur awarded Grand Prix Scientifique

Professor Véronique Gouverneur, Waynflete Professor of Chemistry, has been awarded the 2026 Grand Prix Scientifique of the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation, recognising leading European scientists working on major research challenges. This year’s theme, “Chemistry of and for the Environment,” highlights chemistry’s role in addressing environmental issues.

Professor Gouverneur is honoured for pioneering work that is reshaping the manufacture of fluorochemicals. Her research group has developed safe, sustainable and economically viable methods that avoid the use of hydrogen fluoride (HF)—a highly toxic intermediate traditionally required in fluorochemical production. The team has also created new approaches to recover fluorine from waste streams, including PFAS, supporting the development of a circular fluorine economy.

These innovations promise safer working conditions, simpler supply chains and reduced environmental impact.

Reflecting on the award, Professor Gouverneur said:

“I wish to express my deepest gratitude to La Fondation for its unwavering support to sciences and art for the greater good, for acknowledging our contribution to fluorine chemistry, and the efforts of all my team members here in Oxford.”

For more, see the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation and Le Monde.