The European Physical Society, in collaboration with Gruppo Acinque., is pleased to announce the second edition of the Alessandro Volta Prize, established on the bicentenary of Alessandro Volta’s death. The prize honours outstanding achievements in physics and celebrates the lasting impact of scientific innovation on society.
Named after the inventor of the electric battery, the Alessandro Volta Prize recognizes groundbreaking contributions across all areas of physics, from theoretical research and instrumentation to technological and industrial applications. The prize may be awarded to an individual scientist or to a group of up to three researchers. Winners will receive a €10,000 award, a medal, and a diploma.
The call for nominations for the second edition will open on 30 May 2026 and close on 30 October 2026.
The award ceremony will take place in Como, Volta’s hometown, and will be organized by Acinque. The ceremony will be accompanied by an international symposium dedicated to the scientific fields of the awardees organized by EPS. The prize winners will be announced during the EPS Council meeting in 2027.
“The Alessandro Volta Prize reflects our shared commitment to celebrating scientific excellence and increasing public awareness of the role of physics in driving societal progress,” said José María de Teresa, President of EPS.
The award also reflects Acinque’s strong local roots and its commitment to creating cultural and scientific value in the communities where it operates.
“Alessandro Volta is a central figure in the history of physics and chemistry,” said Matteo Barbera, President of Acinque. “His work placed Como firmly on the global map of scientific excellence. The 2027 celebrations will represent an important opportunity for both cultural promotion and economic impact.”
“Acinque plays an active role in the energy transition,” added Stefano Cetti, CEO of Acinque. “Strategic partnerships with universities and research institutes are essential to fostering innovation and developing technologies focused on renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable growth, and the responsible use of resources.”
Further details on the nomination process will be available through the official communication channels of EPS and Acinque.
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
