Forum on the History and Philosophy of Physics Fellowship
Fellowship in the American Physical Society is a great honor. In accordance with the APS Constitution, "there shall be elected to Fellowship only such Members who have contributed to the advancement of physics by independent, original research or who have rendered some other special service to the cause of the sciences." All APS members are invited to nominate deserving colleagues as potential Fellows of APS.
Rules and eligibility
Nominating a colleague for APS Fellowship is a way to commend them for excellence in physics and their service to the physics community.
To nominate a colleague for APS Fellowship, you and the additional nominating co-sponsor must be active APS members. The colleague you nominate must also be an active APS member.
Process and selection
To nominate a colleague for APS Fellowship, please include the following:
- The nominee's name
- The co-sponsor's name, and email address
- A 300 character suggested citation that does not include the nominee's name, gendered pronouns, or symbols, and begins with, "For..."
- A 2,500 character paragraph expanding on the citation to indicate the originality and significance of the contributions
- A PDF sponsor's recommendation letter
- The co-sponsor's recommendation letter, which must be uploaded by the co-sponsor
- The nominee's curriculum vitae (CV), which must include academic and employment history, professional honors, a list of principal publications only, and other significant contributions to physics
- Optional: Up to two additional PDF letters of support, which must be uploaded by the letter writers
Selection Committee
- Elise Crull
- Daniela Monaldi
- Danian Hu
Recent recipients
Elise M. Crull
2025 recipient
For outstanding historical research, including the expansion of the historical record pertaining to the EPR paradox and revealing new commentary between 1927 and 1935, especially the contributions of Grete Hermann, and for leadership of the Women in the History of Quantum Physics working group.
Dennis Lehmkuhl
2025 recipient
For significant contributions on the history of Albert Einstein's work, and on the philosophical foundations of contemporary, forefront developments in general relativity.
Danian Hu
2024 recipient
For outstanding historical works on the rise of communities of physicists in China, especially in analyzing the reception of Einstein’s theories and the labors of pioneering Chinese physicists and their international mentors and collaborators.
Donald Salisbury
2023 recipient
For elucidating the postwar history of general relativity and quantum gravity, particularly the contributions of Peter Bergmann and the Syracuse school.
Clayton A. Gearhart
2022 recipient
For broad investigations of the early development of quantum mechanics, including Planck’s initial steps in 1900, the Franck-Hertz experiments and their relation to theory, challenges of the helium atom in the context of the old quantum theory, and the mystery of the specific heats of hydrogen.
APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.
Nominees for and holders of APS Honors (prizes, awards, and fellowship) and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS Ethics Standards. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.
Forum on the History and Philosophy of Physics Fellowship
Related
Prepare your nomination materials and review the submission process to recognize your colleagues and students.
Prepare your Fellowship nomination materials and review the submission process.
As approved by the Council of Representatives on April 10, 2025.
APS honors exceptional contributions to the physics community, including travel support for students and early career physicists.