The European Physical Society and Acinque launch the Alessandro Volta Prize to celebrate excellence in physics
Copenhagen, Denmark / Como, Italy – 16th May 2025 – The European Physical Society (EPS), in collaboration with Acinque S.p.A., is pleased to announce the launch of the Alessandro Volta Prize, a new and prestigious award aimed at recognizing outstanding achievements in the field of physics. Named after Alessandro Volta, the renowned Italian physicist whose invention of the electric battery revolutionized science and technology, the prize seeks to celebrate innovation, discovery, and the significant impact of physics on society.
The Alessandro Volta Prize will be awarded to individual scientists or groups (up to three members) who have made innovative contributions to physics, ranging from theoretical research to instrumental development and practical applications. Winners will receive a monetary award of €10,000, a medal, and a diploma. The call for nominations for the first edition will open on 20 May 2025.
The award ceremony will take place in Como, Volta’s hometown, and will be organized by Acinque. The event will be complemented by an international symposium focused on the scientific fields of the awardees, with support from Acinque. The prize winners will be announced during the next EPS Council meeting.
“The Alessandro Volta Prize reflects our joint commitment to celebrating scientific excellence and raising public awareness of the importance of physics as a driver of societal progress,” said Mairi Sakellariadou, President of the European Physical Society.
The award also reflects strong local roots, a hallmark of the multi-utility company, whose mission is to generate cultural and scientific value in the communities in which it operates. “Alessandro Volta,” said Acinque President Matteo Barbera, “is a pivotal figure in the history of international chemistry and physics. His work firmly placed Como on the global map of scientific excellence. The 2027 celebrations will offer a major economic impact and cultural promotion opportunity.” “Acinque plays an active role in the energy transition,” emphasized Stefano Cetti, CEO of Acinque. “Establishing strategic partnerships with universities and research institutes is therefore essential. We envision this relationship as an incubator of new ideas and technologies aimed at the responsible use of resources, renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable growth.” “The establishment of such a significant prize in Acinque’s name underlines the company’s presence and responsibility in supporting the communities where we were born and have grown,” concluded Barbera and Cetti.
The selection committee, chaired by the EPS President, will include representatives from both EPS and Acinque. Details regarding the nomination process will be announced shortly and shared via the official channels of EPS and Acinque.
This new initiative follows in the footsteps of a previous prize, last awarded in 2020, reaffirming the lasting importance of Volta’s contributions to science.
The second edition of the Prize will be held in 2027, on the bicentennial of Volta’s death, and will be accompanied by an international congress.
For further information, including application guidelines and updates, please visit:
• www.eps.org/
• www.gruppoacinque.it
About the European Physical Society (EPS)
The European Physical Society is a well-established organization with a long-standing tradition of promoting physics in Europe and facilitating collaboration among physicists. It functions as a federation of national societies and as a learned society for individual members, with a dual mission: to promote scientific excellence and influence science policy. The Society’s goal is to contribute to advancing physics in Europe and neighboring countries by all appropriate means. In particular, it provides a forum for discussion on topics of common interest and offers tools to take action on issues requiring attention at the international level.
About Acinque S.p.A.
Acinque is the leading multi-utility company in the areas of Como, Lecco, Monza, Sondrio, and Varese, with operations also in the provinces of Udine and Venice. The company was formed through the merger of well-established local entities, and A2A is its reference shareholder and industrial partner. Acinque operates in electricity and gas sales, energy production, district heating and waste-to-energy, water and gas distribution, and energy solutions, guided by circular economy principles and sustainability. The Group is committed to fostering opportunities for growth and innovation in the energy sector by building networks with local stakeholders, universities, and the research community, focused on optimizing consumption and protecting the environment.
Media Contacts
European Physical Society (EPS)
Anne C. Pawsey, Secretary General of the European Physical Society
6, rue des Frères Lumière
68200 Mulhouse, France
+33 3 89 32 94 41
anne.pawsey@eps.org
Acinque S.p. A.
Gian Pietro Elli
giampietro.elli@acinque.it
+39 335 5800630
