The invited speaker of CQM’s Nanoschool in 2011, Jean-Pierre Sauvage, has been awarded the Grand Prix de la Fondation de la Maison de la Chimie, for “exceptional contributions to the development of catenanes, unique chemical species that can be used for producing molecular motors”. This prize, which comprises €35.000 and a silver medal, is awarded for “original work in chemistry of benefit to mankind, society, or nature”.