AXA Foundation Chairs: Calling for Transdiciplinary Research Projects

A 5-year network grant for international research chairs that connect disciplines and societal partners to understand major risks to people, societies and the planet, and design concrete solutions for human progress.

Renewing Our Commitment to Healthier Waterways in France

Voies Navigables de France (VNF) protects water and biodiversity across 6,700 km of waterways in France. In 2026, we are renewing our support to increase our impact across France regions

No Child Should Grow Up in Fear

This conviction lies at the heart of the AXA Foundation for Human Progress. Our call for projects “A Silent Emergency, A Call to Action” dedicated to combating violence against children drew 317 applications and three expert committees, confirming both the urgency of this cause and the trust placed in our leadership.

New Partnership to Preserve, Transmit and Promote French Savoir-faire

As Lead Partner of the Manufactures nationales, Sèvres and Mobilier national, the AXA Foundation for Human Progress supports preservation and transmission of this unique French savoir-faire, fuels creation and amplifyies its international influence.

Repair Today, Prepare for Tomorrow

Because the future should not be a risk, but an opportunity to act together, the AXA Foundation for Human Progress pioneers bold new forms of action and solidarity. It tackles today’s major risks to mend the present and dare tomorrow.

About the Foundation

The AXA Foundation for Human Progress is dedicated to supporting high-impact projects that are essential to social cohesion and solidarity.

Endowed with €60 million per year, present in nearly 50 countries, the AXA Foundation for Human Progress brings together under a single banner the philanthropic commitments of AXA Group and Mutuelles d’assurances across four historic areas: Science, Nature, Solidarity and Culture.

The pooling of budgets positions the AXA Foundation for Human Progress among the leading corporate philanthropists in France and Europe.

The AXA Foundation for Human Progress aims to build more inclusive and resilient societies, both today and for generations to come.

United for Impact

Communities actively working to drive positive change for all and to reduce all forms of vulnerability and social inequality are invited by the Foundation to join forces around these four pillars of action to tackle the challenges facing our societies. Partners from the associative, institutional, academic and cultural sectors that share its values and its vision of protection and a culture of prevention play a key role in this collective commitment to human progress.

A Multidisciplinary and Cross-Cutting Approach

Faced with complex, interconnected risks, our societies need solutions that dare to cross disciplinary boundaries. Today’s major risks - from climate change and biodiversity loss to health crises, social fragmentation and technological disruption - are deeply interdependent and cannot be addressed in isolation. This vision is embodied in flagship programs such as the AXA Chairs, which promote transdisciplinary research and are co-developed with non-academic partners to ensure that scientific insights lead to concrete societal action.

The AXA Foundation for Human Progress is designed as a lab for philanthropic innovation. By crossing disciplines and prioritizing impact in every initiative, we aim to deliver agile, sustainable responses to today's most pressing social and environmental challenges. It is about actively shaping a resilient and inclusive future. Through this foundation, we affirm our commitment to present and future generations.
Clément Rouxel General Delegate of the AXA Foundation for Human Progress

Science and health, protecting the planet, strengthening societies’ resilience and reducing inequalities, and access to culture and knowledge are essential to advancing human progress in an increasingly interconnected world.