Dissertation Award in Hadronic Physics
The Dissertation Award in Hadronic Physics recognizes outstanding early-career scientists who have performed original research in the area of hadronic physics.
The APS Topical Group on Hadronic Physics presents the award annually, consisting of $1,500, a certificate, up to $1,500 in travel reimbursement, and a registration waiver to receive the award and give an invited talk at the biennial meeting of the Topical Group on Hadronic Physics.
Rules and eligibility
In order to be eligible candidates must have received a PhD in experimental or theoretical hadronic physics. The PhD degree must have been awarded within a two-year period ending the day before nominations are due. Candidates receiving a dissertation award from other APS units are ineligible for the Dissertation Award in Hadronic Physics. Nominations will be considered for two review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination and continues to meet this criteria before the next deadline.
Process and selection
Nominations must include:
- APS Prizes and Awards nomination form (nominee’s contact information, thesis date
- The name and address of the candidate
- A statement of the candidate's contribution to the research
- A letter of support from the candidate's PhD dissertation advisor
- Two additional letters of support from physicists familiar with the candidate and the research
- A copy of the candidate's dissertation
Establishment and support
This award was established in 2011 with support from Jefferson Science Associates, LLC (the management contractor for Jefferson Lab), Brookhaven National Laboratory, Universities Research Association (the management contractor for Fermi National Accelerator Lab), and the members and friends of the Topical Group on Hadronic Physics. The award was permanently endowed in 2021 with the support of the Center for Frontiers in Nuclear Science and additional support from the friends of this Topical Group.
Recent recipients
Parker T. Gardner
2026 recipient
For groundbreaking research uncovering collective phenomena in high-multiplicity jet fragmentation, advancing our understanding of quark-gluon interactions in dense QCD environments through innovative experimental analyses and phenomenological frameworks.
Christopher Cocuzza
2025 recipient
For excellent comprehensive studies of the unpolarized and polarized hadron structure through Monte Carlo fits and model calculations.
Blair Seidlitz
2024 recipient
For developing the experimental access of high-multiplicity photo-nuclear interactions and a novel investigation of collective phenomena in this system.
Glòria Montaña Faiget
2023 recipient
For outstanding progress in understanding the properties of heavy mesons in hot matter with the combination of non-perturbative hadronic theories and finite-temperature field theories.
Davide Giusti
2022 recipient
For achievements in applying a new non-perturbative approach to evaluate QED and strong isospin breaking effects on hadron masses and weak decays using lattice QCD+QED simulations.
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.
Dissertation Award in Hadronic Physics
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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.