John Wheatley Award
To recognize the dedication of physicists who have made contributions to the development of physics across the globe. The award will consist of a stipend of $5,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. The award will be presented biennially, every odd-numbered year, at the general meeting of the American Physical Society.
Rules and eligibility
The award will be made to a physicist who, working in developing country has made an outstanding contribution to the development of physics in that region by working with local physicists in physics research or teaching. Nominations are open to physicists of all nationalities but the award will not be given to a person for work in his or her own country. Nominations will be considered for two 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 than four, seconding letters.
- Up to five reprints or preprints.
Selection Committee
- Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz (Chair)
- Marcela Carena (Vice Chair)
- Albina Tropina
- James Gubernatis
- Kétévi Assamagan
- Nathan Berkovits
Establishment and support
The award was established in 1991 with the support of Forum on International Physics.
Recent recipients
Gihan Kamel
2025 recipient
For exceptional contributions to capacity building in Africa, the Middle East, and other developing regions, including leadership in training researchers in beamline techniques at synchrotron light sources and establishing the groundwork for future facilities in the Global South.
Sekazi Kauze Mtingwa
2025 recipient
For exceptional contributions to capacity building in Africa, the Middle East, and other developing regions, including leadership in training researchers in beamline techniques at synchrotron light sources and establishing the groundwork for future facilities in the Global South.
Simon H. Connell
2025 recipient
For exceptional contributions to capacity building in Africa, the Middle East, and other developing regions, including leadership in training researchers in beamline techniques at synchrotron light sources and establishing the groundwork for future facilities in the Global South.
James E. Gubernatis
2023 recipient
For ongoing commitment to developing physics in Africa through initiating the African School on Electronic Structure Methods and Applications and leadership in bringing together African physicists from across the continent to create a Pan-African physics communication vehicle.
Nathan Berkovits
2021 recipient
For exceptional leadership in fundamental physics research in South America.
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.