Award

Joseph A. Burton Forum Award

The Joseph A. Burton Forum Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the public understanding or resolution of issues involving the interface of physics and society. The award consists of $5,000, a certificate citing the contributions of the recipient, and an allowance for travel to the meeting of the Society at which the award is presented. It will be awarded annually.

Rules and eligibility

The award is for outstanding contributions to the public understanding or resolution of issues involving the interface of physics and society. Examples include issues of public education, arms control, energy policy, protection of the environment, international cooperation among scientists, physics education, and the achievement of equity. Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

Process and selection

The nomination must include:

  • A letter of not more than 5,000 characters evaluating the qualifications of the nominee(s)
  • A biographical sketch
  • A list of the most important publications
  • At least two, but not more than four, seconding letters
  • Up to five reprints and preprints

Selection Committee

  • Anna Quider
  • Katie Yurkewicz
  • Dylan Spaulding
  • Mark Harvey

Establishment and support

The Joseph A. Burton Forum Award is named in recognition of the many contributions of Joseph Burton to the society and to the APS as its Treasurer from 1970 - 1985. The award was endowed in 1997 through a donation from Mrs. LeRoy Apker. The award stems from the former Forum Award for Promoting Public Understanding of the relationship of Physics and Society, established by the Forum on Physics and Society in 1974.

Recent recipients

Sébastien Philippe

2025 recipient

For accurately estimating radiation doses from French and U.S. nuclear tests and effectively communicating these findings to the public, as well as assessing potential radiation from nuclear attacks on U.S. ICBM silos, demonstrating the importance of addressing scientific findings and consulting affected individuals.

Galileo Violini

2024 recipient

For establishing programs in physics education and research in Latin America and the Caribbean that increased regional scientific capacity, for promoting international scientific cooperation across continents and regions of the world, and for creating the Centro Internacional de Física in Colombia.

Richard A. Meserve

2023 recipient

For outstanding service to science and to the nation in the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear power and in the proper and powerful application of science in important legal matters, and for wise counsel on policy issues involving science.

Robert L. Jaffe

2022 recipient

For bringing a physics perspective into policy discussions in academia and government over the last half-century, from the development of the Stanford Workshops on Social and Political Issues to influential work on policy and education regarding critical elements, energy, and climate.

Robert Semper

2021 recipient

For extraordinary accomplishments exposing educators, policymakers, and the general public to the wonder and joy of scientific exploration, especially in physics, through the development of Exploratorium exhibits and educational resources, and assisting in the creation of Exploratorium spinoffs in many communities.

See all recipients

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.

Joseph A. Burton Forum Award

Nominations deadline
June 17, 2025
Type
Award
Category
Service and teaching
Sponsor
Mrs. LeRoy Apker
Sponsor
APS Forum on Physics and Society (FPS)
Amount
$5,000, a certificate, travel allowance
Nominations are currently closed.

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