Frank Isakson Prize for Optical Effects in Solids

To recognize outstanding optical research that leads to breakthroughs in the condensed matter sciences. The prize consists of $5,000, an allowance for travel to the meeting of the Society at which the prize is being presented and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. The prize is awarded biennially in even-numbered years as a memorial to Frank Isakson.

Establishment & Support

The prize was established in 1979 and supported by the Photoconductivity Conference. Starting in 1994, the prize was supported by Solid State Communications (Elsevier).

Rules & Eligibility

Nominations are open to scientists of all nations regardless of the geographical site at which the work was done. The prize shall ordinarily be awarded to one person, but the prize may be shared among recipients when all recipients have contributed to the same accomplishment. Preference will be given to work that has been published within the past 10 years. Nominations are active for three years.

Nomination & Selection Process

Serving a diverse and inclusive community of physicists worldwide is a primary goal for APS. Nominations of qualified women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and scientists from outside the United States are especially encouraged.

The deadline for submission of nominations for the 2014 prize has been EXTENDED to August 1, 2013. 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.

To complete a nomination click here for the electronic submission form. All files should be uploaded in PDF format. Letters can be signed electronically (for example, using an embedded facsimile) or physically. In the latter case, they should digitally scanned. Filename should include the name of the nominee.

For updating an existing nomination, please click the above link and log into the form using the email address and password you used to create your nominator account.

Selection Committee Members: Joseph Orenstein, Chair; David Tanner; Dmitri Basov; Girsh Blumberg; H. Dennis Drew

Nomination Guidelines