On the evening of Thursday 22 October 2026, the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) hosted the FNR Awards ceremony at the Maison des Arts et des Étudiants in Esch-Belval.
At the event, seven awards were presented across four categories in recognition of doctoral research, scientific achievement, public engagement and mentorship.
The 2026 recipients include researchers investigating brain cancer and Luxembourg’s post-war history, a team developing new ways to activate immunity against disease, two science-engagement initiatives and two outstanding mentors.
At her first National Research Fund Awards as Secretary General of the FNR, Isabelle Mossong highlighted the curiosity, resilience and patience behind research, and the supportive conditions researchers need to succeed.
“Outstanding research is never the result of a single breakthrough. It is built through years of curiosity, resilience and collaboration. The achievements we celebrate tonight remind us what is possible when talent is given the opportunity to thrive,” said Isabelle Mossong, Secretary General of the FNR.
Luxembourg Minister for Higher Education and Research Stéphanie Obertin attended the ceremony and congratulated the recipients. “Tonight, we celebrate scientific excellence. But above all, we celebrate the people behind it,” she said.
2026 FNR Award Winners
• Outstanding PhD Thesis: Pilar Maria Moreno Sanchez and Félix Streicher
• Outstanding Scientific Achievement: Carole Seguin-Devaux and team
• Outstanding Promotion of Science to the Public: Anna Bordus and Oana Nicolae; Christina Siry, Sara Wilmes, Kerstin te Heesen and Sergei Glotov
• Outstanding Mentor: Christophe Ley and Gunnar Dittmar
FNR said the awards highlight the many forms research excellence can take and, alongside scientific results, the 2026 laureates’ work reflects curiosity, collaboration, perseverance and a commitment to sharing knowledge.
Further information about the award winners and their research can be found at https://www.fnr.lu/fnr-awards-2026-discover-the-winners.
About the Luxembourg National Research Fund
The Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) is the main actor supporting research activities in Luxembourg. Its vision is to establish Luxembourg as a knowledge-based society through science, research and innovation, thereby contributing to the country’s economic diversification, societal development, and future prosperity. It aims to champion the development of a sustainable first-class research system that will generate societal impact in key strategic areas for Luxembourg.
In order to nurture this vision, the FNR invests public funds and private donations in research projects from various branches of science, while focusing on research areas identified as priorities for the country. In addition, the FNR supports and coordinates activities aimed at strengthening the links between science and society and raising public awareness of science and research. The FNR also advises the Luxembourg government on research policy and strategy.
