On June 12, 2026, the University of Reunion Island hosted the presentation of the National Order of Merit Prize for Higher Education, organised by the National Association of Members of the National Order of Merit – Reunion Island section, in partnership with the University of Reunion Island and with the financial support of E. Leclerc Reunion.

This award recognizes Master's students whose academic journey exemplifies academic excellence, commitment, and outstanding personal qualities. Selected by a jury, the recipients are distinguished by their results, perseverance, sense of responsibility, and initiative.

For this 2026 edition, four students were awarded prizes:

• 1st prize: Germaine Guebre Banse, student in Master 2 Civil Engineering, specializing in Construction Science and Engineering;
• 2nd prize: Maximilien Malivoir, Master 2 student in Biology and Health, specializing in Tropical Infectious Diseases (absent);
• 3rd prize: Loic Sautron, student in Master 2 Teaching, Education and Training Professions, specializing in Creole Language and Culture;
• 4th prize: Solal Magne, student in Master 2 Biodiversity, ecology and evolution, specializing in Biodiversity, tropical, aquatic, coastal and island ecosystems.

Through this award ceremony, the University of Reunion Island reaffirms its commitment to student success and the promotion of local talent.