CNRS Scientist Leads Creation of AI‑Literature Pascal Prize

The Reader Times desk 17 October 2026 Based on Livres Hebdo reporting

Editorial illustration of a library office where books and artificial intelligence research meet. — Editorial illustration for The Reader Times.

The CNRS scientific director Alexandre Gefen announced the forthcoming Pascal Prize for AI‑written literature, with applications opening on 2 November 2026.

Alexandre Gefen, director of scientific research at the CNRS, revealed that the Pascal Prize for AI‑Literature is being established. The prize aims to recognise books written with artificial intelligence, although its exact parameters remain to be clarified.

Gefen said the prize will be judged by a jury that is expected to include Jacques Attali. He provided preliminary details on the award’s structure, noting that the application window will open on 2 November 2026.

The announcement was reported by Livres Hebdo, which highlighted the initiative as a new development in the ongoing discussion about AI in literature.