We are proud to announce this year’s winner of the André Mischke Prize is Agnieszka Wykowska.
This prize is named in honour of the YAE Founding Chair, André Mischke. It was first introduced in 2017, and is awarded annually to early to mid-career professionals in recognition of their leadership to promote: science, science-policy, evidence-informed policymaking, science communication, and the future generation European scholars.
Prof. Wykowska is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work in human-robot interaction at the Italian Institute of Technology. But it is her deep commitment to science communication and policy engagement that sets her apart as an André Mischke Prize-winner.
Professor Wykowska’s research has not only advanced our understanding of how humans perceive humanoid robots—culminating in over 90 publications and a Springer-edited book—but has also been translated into real-world applications. She and her team developed a robotic training system for children with autism, implemented in local rehabilitation centers, demonstrating tangible improvements in social skills. This work has gained widespread recognition across national and international media, including ZDF, RAI, BBC, and The New York Times.
Equally impactful is her tireless advocacy for science in public policy. Since her invitation to speak at the European Parliament in 2018, Professor Wykowska has become a key voice in European science policy. As a delegate to the European Research Area Forum, she represents the interests of individual researchers, championing greater support for fundamental science and early-career scientists. Her involvement with the Robert Bosch Foundation and the European Conclave further demonstrates her influence at the intersection of science, politics, and society.
Beyond policy, she actively promotes equity and inclusion in science, participating in high-level panels such as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, broadcast from the European Commission.
The prize will be presented to Prof. Wykowska at Academia Europaea’s Building Bridges conference on the 17th of October, where she will also give the André Mischke Prize lecture.