Marcel Benoist Prize
The Marcel Benoist Prize is a Swiss Science Award.
The prize is awarded annually by the Marcel Benoist Foundation in Switzerland, established scientists. According to the Testament of Marcel Benoist (1864-1918) is the price goes to those scientists who " has made the most useful scientific invention, discovery or study during the year, which is particularly important for human life ."
Foundation of the price
Marcel Benoist came from a wealthy Parisian family. He was first a lawyer, but gave in 1898 for unknown reasons his work on. He is said to have made several trips to Europe and collected artifacts. After the death of his father he inherited the estate led to the life of a retired intellectuals. Fearing the outbreak of war between France and Germany, he moved his art collection and its economic activity from 1911 to Switzerland. From 1914 to 1918 Benoist spent the most time in Lausanne. He died on 10 August 1918 in Paris of smallpox. In the Testament of 1914, he transferred his assets to the Swiss Confederation, with the condition that set up the aforementioned Science Award.
The Swiss Federal Council presented the rightful heirs in France satisfied, gave the art collection and store it in the city of Lausanne (which they bought in 1965 ) and founded on November 5, 1920, the Marcel Benoist Foundation for the promotion of scientific research. The Board is chaired by the current head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Next to him are ex officio by the French ambassador to Switzerland (or any agent appointed by him deputy) and a high, specified by the EDI, federal official in the areas of science policy or public health at. In addition, the Federal Council appointed for a term of four years ( with the possibility of re-election ) another nine to fifteen members representing the faculty of the Swiss Universities.
The Marcel Benoist Prize has been awarded since 1920. He is the oldest science prize in Switzerland.