The “Admiral Castex Prize”, named after a French naval general known for his work as both a naval and maritime theorist as well as a geopolitical thinker, aims to promote original and innovative research on the strategic challenges of the sea.

For this fourth edition of the prize, a single theme has been selected:

Fighting tomorrow: finding the balance between crewed and uncrewed systems

Candidates are invited to explore, in particular, the conditions for integrating autonomous systems, their complementarity with crewed platforms, their operational contributions and limitations, as well as their implications for the preparation and conduct of naval warfare. No specific approach is preferred: case studies may focus on the French Navy or other navies, particular operational environments or specific types of platforms.

Three submission categories have been established:

• “Young Expert” category (French nationals under the age of 35 as of January 1, 2027)
• “Senior Expert” category (French nationals over the age of 35 as of January 1, 2027)
• “International Expert” category (foreign nationals, with no age restriction)

Each theme will be awarded a separate prize, worth €1,500. The prizes will be presented by the Chief of the French Navy at the closing reception of the Paris Naval Conference. The winning entries may also be published by Ifri.

The “Admiral Castex Prize” aims to recognize original thinking that makes a significant contribution to maritime and naval debate while meeting the highest international academic standards. In this regard, particular attention will be paid to the methodology employed, regardless of the academic discipline in which the research is conducted.

Submission Guidelines:

• Articles must be between 15,000 and 25,000 characters (including spaces and footnotes). They may be written in French or English. The expected style is that of an Ifri Briefing. A bibliography is not required: references must be included in footnotes.
• Research must be original and must not have been previously published. However, candidates may adapt part of a master's thesis, doctoral dissertation, or research conducted as part of a civilian or military academic program, provided that the length requirements are met.
• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited, and the use of artificial intelligence is not permitted (whether for data or source collection, writing, or proofreading). Checks will be carried out.
• No specific degree or academic background is required. Applications from doctoral students, researchers and active-duty military officers are particularly encouraged.
• Winners of the 2026 edition are not eligible to enter again.
• Entries must be submitted in Word format only, by December 21, 2026, to [email protected]. Submissions must include a short biography and specify the category under which the candidate is entering. Entries will be anonymized before being reviewed by the jury.

Prizes:

• Following deliberations by the jury, composed of senior international military officials and renowned researchers, the best article for each theme will receive a €1,500 prize.
• The prizes will be presented at the closing reception of the Paris Naval Conference, on February 9, 2027, by Admiral Christophe Cluzel (Chief of the French Navy) and Ifri's Director, Thomas Gomart.
• Subject to approval by the jury and Ifri Management, and with the author's consent, the winning articles may be published by Ifri.

For any questions or article submissions, please contact Ifri's Security Studies Center at [email protected], using “Admiral Castex Prize” as the email subject line.