Thomas H. Stix Award for Outstanding Early Career Contributions to Plasma Physics Research
Recognizes an individual researcher who has made outstanding contributions (theoretical, experimental, computational, or technical) in plasma physics early in their career. Areas of plasma physics covered by the award include, but are not limited to: fundamental plasma physics, fusion plasmas, astrophysical or space plasmas, low-temperature plasmas, or high-energy-density plasmas.
The award consists of $5,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, and a travel reimbursement of up to $1,000 to attend the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) meeting. Information on allowable travel expenses appears here.
The recipient will be asked to deliver an invited talk at the DPP meeting and will receive a meeting registration waiver.
The award will be presented annually.
Rules and eligibility
Nominations are open to scientists of all nationalities regardless of the geographical site at which the work was done. The award will be given every year to an early career researcher. An early career researcher is defined as an individual in the first 10 years of a research career, i.e. at most 10 years following the award of a PhD.
Self-nominations will not be considered. 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.
The nominee selected for this award will receive a $5,000 stipend. Recipients will also receive an allowance towards registration and travel expenses to attend the Division of Plasma Physics Annual Meeting, along with a certificate acknowledging their contributions. Additionally, the DPP is pleased to offer up to two complimentary banquet tickets for both the recipient and a guest.
Selection Committee
- Hongtao Zhong
- Kentaro Hara
- Mario Manuel
- Jack Hare
- Amina Hussein
Establishment and support
This award was established in 2013 with support from the Division of Plasma Physics, as well as friends and family of Thomas H. Stix.
Recent recipients
Jack D. Hare
2025 recipient
For the development and exploration of pulsed-power experimental platforms to investigate magnetic reconnection in novel regimes and, in particular, their use in the study of reconnection in the presence of strong radiative cooling.
Alexander Philippov
2024 recipient
For seminal contributions to the theory and simulation of collisionless astrophysical plasmas, especially compact objects.
David Turnbull
2023 recipient
For pioneering experimental work on plasma photonics in the pursuit of laser-plasma applications, including Raman amplification, plasma optics, and inertial confinement fusion.
Jonathan Squire
2022 recipient
For theoretical contributions to our understanding of plasma waves and turbulence in astrophysical plasmas and the solar wind, and for the discovery and characterization of a broad class of instabilities in dusty astrophysical plasmas.
Carlos Paz-Soldan
2021 recipient
For groundbreaking contributions and scientific leadership in the understanding of non-axisymmetric magnetic fields and relativistic electrons in tokamak plasmas.
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.
Thomas H. Stix Award for Outstanding Early Career Contributions to Plasma Physics Research
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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.