APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research
The APS Medal was established to recognize contributions of the highest level that advance our knowledge and understanding of the physical universe in all its facets. It is intended to celebrate scientific inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge.
The medal carries with it a prize of $50,000, a certificate citing the contribution made by the recipient, an allowance for travel to the APS Medal and Prize Ceremony and Reception in Washington, D.C., and an invited talk at an APS March or April Meeting.
Rules and eligibility
The prize will be awarded annually without restriction by subfield of physics or by nationality. The award shall ordinarily be awarded to a single person, but a prize may be shared by up to three recipients. Previous winners of other APS prizes and awards are eligible. Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline. Self-nominations are not permitted.
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
- Gabriela González
- Kristan Corwin
- Bruce Carlsten
- David Weiss
- Dragana Popovic
- Amy Liu
- Peter Olmsted
- Glenn Fredrickson
- Jennifer Ross
- Caroline Jarrold
- Deirdre Shoemaker
- Rachel Goldman
- Bindu Rani
- Haiyan Gao
- Robert Bernstein
- Steven Girvin
- Daniel Lathrop
- Maria Longobardi
- Michael Brown
- Howard Stone
Establishment and support
The APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research is the largest Society prize to recognize the achievement of researchers from across all fields of physics. It is funded through a generous bequest from the late entrepreneur Jay Jones.
Recent recipients
Francis Halzen
2026 recipient
For contributions to the field of neutrino astrophysics, especially leadership of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos and their sources.
Paul Corkum
2025 recipient
For the synthesis of plasma physics, strong-field spectroscopy, and electron scattering concepts to form a new science of strong-field physics ranging from atomic to solid state physics, as well as for pioneering of attosecond science.
Stuart Parkin
2024 recipient
For major discoveries in spintronics leading to a revolution in data storage and memory.
Sidney R. Nagel
2023 recipient
For incisive experiments, numerical simulations, and concepts that have expanded and unified soft matter physics.
Elliott H. Lieb
2022 recipient
For major contributions to theoretical physics through obtaining exact solutions to important physical problems, which have impacted condensed matter physics, quantum information, statistical mechanics, and atomic physics.
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.
APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in 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.