The first Danone International Prize for Nutrition was presented on November 18th, 1997 in the prestigious surroundings of the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Paris. Over 400 members of the international scientific community, industry and the media were present at this event which celebrated the career of Vernon Young and his contribution to the advancement of nutritional research.

The Prize, worth 120,000 Euros, was awarded by Mr. Franck Riboud, Chief Executive Officer of the Danone Group, in the presence of Pierre Bourlioux, President of the Prize Committee, Pierre Joly, President of the "Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale", Georges Casala, General Manager of Danone France, and members of the Pre-selection Committee and the Jury.