Denmark's largest cultural award

The Sonning Prize is the largest cultural award in Denmark. It was founded by author and editor C.J. Sonning (1879-1937). The Prize amount is DKK 1 million and supports the promotion of European culture.

Following the wish of C.J. Sonning, a prize recipient "found to have done commendable work for the benefit of European culture", is elected by the board of the Sonning-Foundation on the recommendation of a committee under the University of Copenhagen.

The Prize is normally awarded every other year. The ceremony takes place at the University of Copenhagen – preferably on 19 April, C.J. Sonning's birthday.

Danish and European universities may propose nominees for the Sonning Prize. The round of proposals for nominees 2025 is now closed. 

The Sonning Prize 2025 is awarded to the French physical chemist Hervé This. The award ceremony takes place in the Ceremonial Hall at the University of Co​penhagen on Wednesday 9 April 2025.

See list of Sonning Prize recipients