Hans A. Bethe Prize
To recognize outstanding work in theory, experiment or observation in the areas of astrophysics, nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, or closely related fields. The prize consists of $10,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It is presented annually.
Rules and eligibility
This Award is made annually for outstanding accomplishments in the areas of astrophysics, nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, or closely related fields. This prize shall ordinarily be awarded to one person but may be shared when all recipients have contributed to the same accomplishments. 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.
Establishment and support
This prize is endowed by contributions from the Division of Astrophysics, the Division of Nuclear Physics and friends of Hans A. Bethe to honor him for his outstanding and numerous accomplishments in both astrophysics and nuclear physics.
Recent recipients
John Richard Bond
2024 recipient
For developing conceptual and quantitative tools that have enabled cosmologists to measure the geometry, content, and age of the universe.
Frank Paul Calaprice
2023 recipient
For pioneering work on large-scale ultra-low-background detectors, specifically Borexino, measuring the complete spectroscopy of solar neutrinos, culminating in observation of CNO neutrinos, thus experimentally proving operation of all the nuclear-energy driving reactions of stellar evolution.
Madappa Prakash
2022 recipient
For fundamental contributions to the physics of hot and dense matter, and their implications for heavy ion collisions and multi-messenger observations of neutron star structure and evolution.
James W. Truran
2021 recipient
For distinguished contributions across the breadth of nuclear astrophysics, Galactic chemical evolution and cosmochronology.
Fiona Harrison
2020 recipient
For pioneering work in conceiving and executing the first focusing telescope in the high energy X-ray regime, NASA’s Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) satellite. NuSTAR has enabled major advances in understanding phenomena in the most extreme environments in the universe.
The membership of APS is diverse and global, and the nominees and recipients of APS Honors should reflect that diversity so that all are recognized for their impact on our community. Nominations of members belonging to groups traditionally underrepresented in physics, such as women, LGBT+ scientists, scientists who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), disabled scientists, scientists from institutions with limited resources, and scientists from outside the United States, are especially encouraged.
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 Guidelines. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.