About the Leonardo Da Vinci Medal
Honoring Excellence in Mathematical Engineering
Purpose and Philosophy
The Leonardo Da Vinci Medal is the academic award of the IDEA League, created to recognize and celebrate excellence at the intersection of mathematics, engineering, and technical creativity.
This prestigious award honors individuals whose work exemplifies the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci himself: the fusion of rigorous mathematical thinking with innovative engineering practice, combining analytical depth with creative problem-solving.
What the Medal Represents
The medal recognizes contributions that demonstrate:
●Mathematical Excellence: Outstanding application of mathematical theory to solve real-world engineering challenges
●Creative Engineering: Innovative solutions that demonstrate exceptional technical ingenuity and originality
●Technical Impact: Work that advances the field and creates lasting value for engineering practice
●Interdisciplinary Thinking: The ability to bridge multiple domains and integrate diverse perspectives
A European Academic Tradition
The Leonardo Da Vinci Medal is administered by the five leading European universities of the IDEA League, ensuring that the selection process maintains the highest standards of academic rigor and institutional integrity.
Unlike many contemporary awards, this medal emphasizes the fundamental importance of mathematical foundations in engineering innovation. It recognizes that the greatest advances in engineering often emerge from deep mathematical insight combined with creative technical vision.
Continuing a Historic Legacy
The medal does not exist in isolation. It represents the continuation and modernization of the Prix Poncelet, established in 1868 by the Académie des Sciences de France—the first European prize dedicated to rewarding the application of mathematics to engineering.
By establishing this continuity, the IDEA League ensures that a nearly two-century tradition of recognizing mathematical excellence in engineering is preserved, updated, and projected into the future with renewed institutional support and academic rigor.
"The Leonardo Da Vinci Medal honors those who, like its namesake, see no boundary between mathematical theory and practical engineering, between analytical rigor and creative vision."
Explore the Complete Story
Learn about the historical origins, selection criteria, and the prestigious list of laureates