Since 1885, thanks to an endowment from the family of mathematician Claude-Antoine Peccot, the Collège de France has annually awarded prizes to young mathematicians under the age of 30 who have distinguished themselves in the field of theoretical or applied mathematics.
Established by his family in honor of Claude-Antoine Peccot—a student of Joseph Bertrand (who held the Chair of Transcendental Mathematics at the Collège de France from 1862 to 1900)—this bequest initially made it possible to create an annual scholarship, which was converted into a teaching position in 1900. As a general rule, two laureates are selected each year. The lecture series at the Collège de France consists of a series of four lectures given over four consecutive weeks, allowing the recipient to present their recent research, and is accompanied by a prize of 3,000 euros and the presentation of a bronze medal from the Collège de France.
Created in 2023, the International Peccot Lecture specifically honors young European female mathematicians, who are invited to deliver a series of lectures at the Collège de France.
In exceptional cases, some recipients of these Peccot lectures may also be awarded the separate Peccot-Vimont Prize.
Since its inception, the Claude-Antoine Peccot Lecture Series and Award have recognized the most promising young mathematicians. Many of them have gone on to distinguish themselves brilliantly in their scientific careers, have contributed to the international prestige of the French school of mathematics at the highest level, and have received prestigious awards (the Fields Medal, the Abel Prize).
The Peccot Lecture, and potentially the associated prize, is traditionally awarded during the Collège de France’s June assembly, upon the recommendation of the mathematics professors. The list of laureates since the prize’s inception can be found in the Collège de France Yearbook .
