The Air and Space Transport Law, Economics and Sociology Thesis Prize is an international academic award created by the French Air and Space Academy. Its aim is to reward a doctoral thesis of high scientific quality in the fields of air transport and the space sector.
This prize is open to young doctors who have defended their thesis in a European university, in French or English, during the two years preceding the application deadline. It aims to encourage university research in law, economics and sociology, applied to contemporary issues in aeronautics and space.
Eligible fields of research
In 2026, the prize will be awarded to a doctoral thesis on an open topic in one of the following fields:
- Air and space transportation law
- Air and space transport economics
- Sociology of aeronautics and space
Work can cover regulatory, economic, social, institutional and forward-looking issues related to aviation and space activities.
Price amount and frequency
The prize is worth 2,500 euros.
The prize is awarded every two years, alternating with the Master 2 thesis prize organized by the Académie de l’air et de l’espace.
Application requirements
To be eligible, candidates must have :
- defended a doctoral thesis at a European university;
- wrote their thesis in French or English;
- defended their thesis in the two years preceding the submission deadline.
Application form
Candidate theses should be sent to the Académie de l’air et de l’espace in electronic format, together with the following documents:
- a letter of application outlining the applicant’s academic background and motivations;
- a detailed summary of the thesis (abstract) ;
- a detailed academic CV ;
- a letter of recommendation from the thesis supervisor.
Application deadline
The complete application must be received by the Academy no later than February 28, 2026.
