Aneesur Rahman Prize for Computational Physics
The prize consists of $10,000, an allowance for travel to the meeting of the Society at which the prize is awarded and at which the recipient will deliver the Rahman Lecture, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. The prize 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 prize shall ordinarily be awarded to one person, but a prize may be shared when all recipients have contributed to the same accomplishments. Nominations are active for three years.
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.
Selection Committee
- Gustavo Scuseria
- Diana Qiu
- Chris Van de Walle
- Roxana Margine
- Rajan Gupta
- Dean Lee
Establishment and support
This prize was established in 1992 with support from IBM Corporation through 2020, as a means of recognizing outstanding work and promoting the dissemination of information in computational physics. In 2021, IBM made a generous contribution to the establishment of an endowment, joined by other donors, including the family of Aneesur Rahman.
Recent recipients
Stefano Baroni
2026 recipient
For seminal contributions to the development of first-principles methods to investigate the electronic and thermal properties of condensed systems, and for the development and dissemination of open-source software for electronic structure calculations that has been widely adopted.
Chris G. Van de Walle
2025 recipient
For the development and application of first-principles methods for computing the structural, electronic, and optoelectronic properties of point defects and interfaces.
Gustavo E. Scuseria
2024 recipient
For the groundbreaking development and application of screened hybrid density functional and ab initio methods to the accurate modeling of molecules and solids.
Pablo G. Debenedetti
2023 recipient
For seminal contributions to the science of supercooled liquids and glasses, water, and aqueous solutions, through ground-breaking simulations.
Giulia Galli
2022 recipient
For the development of theoretical methods to compute and engineer the electronic and structural properties of molecules and materials, broadening the applicability of first-principles computational approaches to multiple disciplines, including nanoscience, and for many predictions subsequently confirmed experimentally.
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.
Aneesur Rahman Prize for Computational 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.