It was established in 1975 by
Simone Del Duca (1912–2004), widow of publishing magnate
Cino Del Duca (1899–1967). The Foundation took over responsibility for the existing
Prix mondial Cino Del Duca created by Madame Del Duca in 1969. The Foundation has been a substantial and important contributor to the
arts in France and humanities
worldwide. It has provided very significant support for scientific research, in particular for
biomedical research and including
oncology,
biochemistry, and
molecular genetics. The Foundation has funded a Fellowship for such things as a Postdoctoral for Studies in
Neurobiology and funding for
breast cancer research for organizations such as the
Susan G. Komen for the Cure. As well, the "Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation on Cancer Pharmacotherapy" paid for and published the 1983 book:
Current Drugs And Methods of Cancer Treatment (
Masson Pub. USA ) The Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation provides two major
arts prizes through the French
Académie des Beaux-Arts. A prize in
music is awarded annually, plus one that is given on an alternating basis to
painters and
sculptors. In addition, the Foundation helped fund the major restoration of the collections of the
Musée Condé at
Chantilly, Oise. The Foundation also gives a prize in
archaeology, intended to help with archaeology projects in France or abroad. Following the death of Madame Del Duca in 2004, administration of the Foundation has been assumed by the
Institut de France. In March 2025, the foundation marked its 50th anniversary by launching a Youth Prize intended to support young talents in the arts and humanities. The initiative aims to encourage emerging cultural contributions within a context of evolving public funding landscapes. ==References==