Europe’s young scientists celebrated for groundbreaking research

Young scientists have been recognised for their innovative research at the 37th European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), which concluded in Kiel, Germany, on 27 September

Around 140 young researchers aged between 14 and 20 took part in the week-long competition, presenting projects to an international jury, members of the public and fellow young scientists.

Participants came from almost 40 countries and showcased research covering areas including biology, mathematics, cancer research and medical technology.

The four projects taking first prize

Four projects were awarded the top prize of €7,000 each for their scientific achievements.

Italy’s Tommaso Vaninetti, Abdoellah El Makkaoui and Frida Tirari won for PlantLeaf, a system designed to detect and analyse how plants respond to stress.

Polish researcher Kazimierz Jakub Chomicz received the award for his mathematical project.

From Georgia, Nikoloz Tkebuchava and Lizi Chachua were recognised for their research into the conservation and structure of FAM163A and its potential role in cancer.

Canada’s Gurnoor Kaur won for Eigenpulse, a project focused on reducing demographic bias in pulse oximetry and remote photoplethysmography.

Second and third prizes were awarded to projects from Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine. A special jury prize went to Ireland. In total, the winning projects received € 64,500.

Encouraging the next generation

EUCYS has been supporting young researchers since it was established in 1989. The competition allows students to test their ideas internationally while receiving guidance from leading scientists and experts.

Its alums include Patrick Collison, co-founder of payments company Stripe, as well as entrepreneurs and researchers such as Shane Curran and Greg Tarr.

The contest has also helped young scientists develop projects that address real-world challenges. Previous participant Tommaso Caligari, for example, developed an artificial intelligence-based device designed to help detect Parkinson’s disease at an early stage.

Science comes to town

EUCYS is now part of the wider Science Comes to Town initiative, which aims to bring research and innovation closer to the public.

In 2026, the programme is being hosted across Kiel in Germany, Brest in France and Split in Croatia, with more than 1,000 activities involving over 70 partners.

The programme will conclude with a joint closing event in December. Science Comes to Town will return in 2027, with Aarhus, Genoa, Kaunas and Oeiras serving as host cities. Genoa will also host EUCYS 2027.