Will Allis Prize for the Study of Ionized Gases
The prize consists of $10,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. An allowance will be provided for travel expenses of the recipient to the meeting of the Society at which the prize is bestowed. As a result of generosity from Intel Corporation, Lam Research, and Micron Technology, Inc. APS will now award the Will Allis Prize for the Study of Ionized Gases on an annual basis.
Rules and eligibility
The Allis Prize is given for outstanding contributions to understanding the physics of partially ionized plasmas and gases. Nominations are open to scientists of all nations regardless of the geographical location at which the work was done or the scientific society affiliations of the nominee. The prize shall ordinarily be awarded to one person but the prize may be shared when all recipients have contributed to the same accomplishment. Nominations are active for two nomination cycles pending recertification by the nominator.
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
- Earl Scime
- Vincent Donnelly
- Sandra Quintanilla
- Jonathan Tennyson
- Louis DiMauro
- Mounir Laroussi
- Tom Kirchner
Establishment and support
The prize was established in 1989 by contributions from American Telephone and Telegraph, General Electric, General Telephone and Electronics, International Business Machines, and Xerox Corporations as a biennial prize. As of 2023, the prize is awarded annually due to contributions from Intel Corporation, Lam Research, and Micron Technology, Inc.
Recent recipients
Mounir Laroussi
2026 recipient
For seminal contributions to the physics and diagnostics of low-temperature plasma jets and guided ionization waves, and for conducting pioneering work on their biomedical applications.
Jonathan Tennyson
2025 recipient
For development and application of theoretical methods for electron impact processes with molecules in low temperature plasmas, and empowering the modeling of complex plasma chemistry.
Vincent M. Donnelly
2024 recipient
For sustained, pioneering research elucidating fundamental physical and chemical mechanisms of plasma etching of microelectronic materials, enabled by the invention of novel plasma and plasma-surface diagnostics, including advanced optical spectroscopy and the 'spinning wall' method.
Toshiaki Makabe
2022 recipient
For the ground-breaking development of novel computational methods, and for leading seminal experimental investigations of low temperature plasmas and their applications.
Michael Allan
2020 recipient
For outstanding contributions to the field of electron-atom and electron-molecule collisions, particularly studies of resonance and threshold effects in inelastic electron scattering and dissociative electron attachment processes.
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.
Will Allis Prize for the Study of Ionized Gases
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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.