(L-R) Martine Reicherts, Chair of the FNR Board; Stéphanie Obertin, Luxembourg's Minister for Research & Higher Education; Mila Hall, FNR Outstanding PhD Thesis award recipient; Dr Andreea Monnat, FNR Acting Secretary General;
Credit: © Steve Ginepri - FNR
The Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) announced the winners of the 2024 FNR Awards at a ceremony held on the evening of Thursday 17 October 2024.
As reported by the FNR, the event celebrated outstanding contributions to research and science communication in Luxembourg, honouring individuals and teams across four categories: Outstanding PhD Thesis, Outstanding Scientific Achievement, Outstanding Mentor, and Outstanding Promotion of Science to the Public.
Dr Mila Hall received the Outstanding PhD Thesis award for her research, "Personalized Assessment and Network Model Feedback: An Empirically-Based Approach to Personalizing Psychotherapy". Affiliated with Osnabrück University, Dr Hall's work focuses on using network modelling to enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy. By creating individualised "symptom networks" for patients, her research enables therapists to understand their patients more comprehensively, potentially leading to more targeted and efficient treatments.
Dr Jordan Samhi was also honoured with the Outstanding PhD Thesis award for his dissertation, "Analyzing the Unanalyzable: An Application to Android Apps". Based at the University of Luxembourg, Dr Samhi's research addresses the automation of software system security, particularly in mobile applications. His innovative techniques aim to detect and mitigate malicious activities in Android apps, protecting millions of users worldwide from security threats.
Dr Eleni Koronaki and her team (including S. Bordas, P. Papavasileiou, G. Loachamin, M. Kathrein, C. Czettl, G. Pozzetti and R. Useldinger) from the University of Luxembourg and CERATIZIT Luxembourg Sarl received the Outstanding Scientific Achievement award. Their collaborative project, "Revolutionizing Industrial Processes: Hybrid Computational Models for Quality Control, Prediction, and Optimization", employs a novel computational approach to improving Chemical Vapor Deposition processes. This work has significant implications for various industries, from semiconductor manufacturing to sustainable resource utilisation.
In the Outstanding Promotion of Science to the Public category, Gaëlle Tavernier and Lucie Majerus of PRO-SUD were recognised for their project MiNELL (Minett Natur an Ëmwelt Léier Lab). Focused on the Minett UNESCO Biosphere in southern Luxembourg, their initiative raises public awareness about environmental conservation and the unique ecological challenges of the region. Through the Biosphere Nature Lab, they engage the community in understanding and preserving the area's rich biodiversity.
Dr Johannes Meiser and Dr Torsten Bohn of the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) received the Outstanding Mentor awards. Nominated by their respective teams, both mentors were recognised for their exceptional guidance, support and contributions to fostering the next generation of researchers.
FNR Acting Secretary General Dr Andreea Monnat commented: "The FNR Awards are a testament to the incredible talent and dedication within Luxembourg's research community. We are proud to honour these outstanding individuals and teams whose work advances scientific knowledge and profoundly impacts society."
The FNR added that its awards ceremony underscores the organisation's commitment to promoting research and science communication excellence. By recognising remarkable achievements, the FNR aims to inspire continued excellence and collaboration within the scientific community.
