John H. Dillon Medal
Recognition consists of $5,000, up to $1,000 allowance for travel to the meeting of the Society at which the award is being presented, a bronze medallion, and a certificate citing the accomplishments of the recipient. It will be presented annually.
Rules and eligibility
The medal will be awarded to one person for outstanding accomplishment and unusual promise in research in polymer physics. Nominees who received their terminal degree (e.g. Ph.D.) less than 12 y before the nomination deadline are eligible. In the case of research career breaks due to military service, illness, caring for a child, dependent, or family member, eligibility will be extended by one year extension per life event with a maximum of two (2) events. In such cases, the nominator should send a separate one-sentence letter to the DPOLY Chair requesting an eligibility extension due to a research career break without specific details (do not include this information in the nomination letter). Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.
Process and selection
The nomination package must include:
- A letter of not more than 5,000 characters evaluating the qualifications of the nominee(s).
In addition, the nomination should include:
- A biographical sketch.
- A list of the most important publications.
- At least two, but not more than four, seconding letters.
- Up to five reprints or preprints.
There may be additional requirements for particular prizes and awards. Please read the rules carefully.
DPOLY executive committee will solicit and review the application packages for the John H. Dillon medal and recommend a candidate to the APS.
Selection Committee
- Chinedum Osuji
- Megan Robertson
- Vivek Prabhu
- Lynn Walker
- Amalie Frischknecht
Establishment and support
The medal was established in 1983 by the Division of Polymer Physics. It was sponsored by Elsevier, the publishers of Polymer, from 1997 to 2023, and has since been fully endowed by past award winners, DPOLY members, DPOLY operating funds, and university and corporate donations.
Recent recipients
Liheng Cai
2026 recipient
For pioneering the understanding and applications of architecturally complex polymers and networks using experiments and theory.
Robert J. Hickey
2025 recipient
For pioneering work in creating nonequilibrium structured soft materials.
Charles E. Sing
2024 recipient
For pioneering advances in polyelectrolyte phase behavior and polymer dynamics using theory and computational modeling.
Vivek Sharma
2023 recipient
For fundamental advances toward a molecular-level understanding of non-equilibrium polymer dynamics and for developing methods to accurately measure extensional deformation of polymeric materials and interfacial flows.
Jian Qin
2022 recipient
For the advancement of analytical and computational tools in the thermodynamics and morphology of ionic or ion-containing polymeric materials.
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.
John H. Dillon Medal
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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.