Established in 1991 the Vautrin Lud International Geography Prize is the highest award that can be gained in the field of Geography. The award is modelled on the Nobel Prize and is called the “Nobel Prize for Geography”. It is named after the 16th century French scholar, Vautrin Lud, who is credited with naming the new world “America”.
The nomination process is overseen by an international jury that selects, among proposals given by world specialists, a high level geographer who has made a significant contribution to the evolution of the discipline of Geography. Among past laureates are Sir Peter Hall (2001), Brian Berry (2005), Mike Goodchild (2007), Peter Haggett (1991) and David Harvey (1995). The prize will be presented to Professor Bailly on October 6, 2011 at the International Festival of Geography (Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France).
Geographer, specialist in regional science, medicometry and regional development. Doctor honoris causa of the University of Quebec, of the Hungarian Science Academy and of the University of Lisbon, Antoine Bailly received in 2008 the Founder’s medal, the highest distinction in regional science.
Emeritus of the University of Geneva, holder of the aggregation in geography and state doctor, Antoine Bailly has studied and taught in North America, Portugal, France and Switzerland. He has been invited as guest lecturer to more than forty universities spanning the five continents.
Antoine Bailly is the author of 30 important works on regional science, human geography and health politics. He chaired the scientific committee of the International Festival of Geography (Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France) from 1993 to 1999. He currently chairs the Health Forum in Switzerland as well as the program For and On Regional Development of the INRA in France.
