The 2011 Mergier-Bourdeix Grand Prix of the Academy of Sciences was awarded to Vincent Artero of our laboratory. This prize, created in 1987, is awarded alternately in the area of the division of mathematical and physical sciences, sciences of the universe and their applications, and in that of the division of chemical, biological and medical sciences and their applications, to a young person. French researcher devoted to fundamental research and whose results reveal exceptional gifts.