John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research
Recognizes a particular recent outstanding achievement in plasma physics research.
The award consists of $5,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, and a travel reimbursement of up to $2,000 to attend the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) meeting. Information on allowable travel expenses appears here.
In the case of multiple recipients, the stipend and travel reimbursement will be divided equally.
The recipient will receive a DPP meeting registration waiver. In the event of a team larger than five (5), DPP may cap the number of registration waivers.
Note: There is not an invited talk associated with this award.
It will be awarded annually.
Prior to 2007, this award was originally named the Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics.
Rules and eligibility
Nominations are open to scientists of all nationalities regardless of the geographical site at which the work was done. It may be a given to a set of individuals as well as to individual scientists, as appropriate, to honor those who make essential contributions to the cited research achievement. 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
Selection Committee
- Earl Scime
- Mitchell Walker
- William Fox
- Hantao Ji
- Brian Haines
Establishment and support
This award was established in 1981 with support from friends of the Division of Plasma Physics. Since 2007, UCLA Foundation has provided generous funding made possible through donations from family, friends and colleagues of John Dawson.
Recent recipients
Max E. Austin
2026 recipient
For advancing the negative triangularity tokamak concept, through dedicated experiments at high beta, toward readiness for a fusion pilot plant.
Alan W. Hyatt
2026 recipient
For advancing the negative triangularity tokamak concept, through dedicated experiments at high beta, toward readiness for a fusion pilot plant.
Alessandro Marinoni
2026 recipient
For advancing the negative triangularity tokamak concept, through dedicated experiments at high beta, toward readiness for a fusion pilot plant.
Andrew Oakleigh Nelson
2026 recipient
For advancing the negative triangularity tokamak concept, through dedicated experiments at high beta, toward readiness for a fusion pilot plant.
Carlos Paz-Soldan
2026 recipient
For advancing the negative triangularity tokamak concept, through dedicated experiments at high beta, toward readiness for a fusion pilot plant.
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.
John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics 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.