Vautrin Lud Prize
The Vautrin Lud Prize, established in 1991, is recognized as the highest international award in geography. It is named after Vautrin Lud, a 16th-century French scholar who first applied the name "America" to the newly explored continent. The prize is awarded each autumn at the International Geography Festival in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France, and recipients are selected by an independent five-person international jury. Laureates receive recognition for their outstanding research contributions, and to date, many eminent geographers from around the world have been honored. As of 2024, 33 prizes have been awarded to 35 laureates.
33
Laureates
1991
First awarded
Each autumn
Announcement
An independent five-person international jury
Presented by
Awards by year
Outstanding achievements in the field of geography
History
The prize was established in 1991, modeled after the Nobel Prizes. The first award was presented to Peter Haggett in the same year. It bears the name of Vautrin Lud, the 16th-century scholar who first applied the name "America" to the new continent. The award ceremony has become an annual tradition each autumn at the International Geography Festival in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France. Candidates are evaluated and selected by an independent five-member international jury. Over the years, geographers from around the globe have been honored, and the prize is widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the field.
2022
United States of America
2021
Singapore
2020
Czechia
2019
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
2018
France
2017
Nigeria
2016
Spain
2015
United States of America
2014
Ireland
2013
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
2012
Taiwan, Province of China
2011
Switzerland
2010
France
2009
Canada
2008
Spain
2007
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
2006
Switzerland
2005
United States of America
2004
France
2003
United States of America
2002
Switzerland
2001
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
2000
France
1999
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
1998
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
1997
Switzerland
1996
France
1995
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
1994
Brazil
1993
United States of America
1992
Sweden
United States of America
1991
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland