Joseph F. Keithley Award For Advances in Measurement Science
To recognize physicists who have been instrumental in the development of measurement techniques or equipment that have impact on the physics community by providing better measurements. The prize consists of $5,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It is presented annually.
Rules and eligibility
This Award will be made annually to one or a few individuals working in the same area for outstanding advances in measurement science or products that impact the physics community by providing better measurements. Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.
Process and selection
Neither the nominee or nominator need to be an APS member or member of GIMS.
The nomination 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
- Michael Martin (Chair)
- Catherine Pappas
- Cyrus Hirjibehedin
- David Muller
- Joel Ullom
- Ulrich Welp
Establishment and support
This award is endowed by Keithley Instruments, Inc. and the Topical Group on Instrument and Measurement Science (GIMS). The award honors Joseph F. Keithley for his outstanding contributions and numerous accomplishments in area of sensitive and precision instrument development and measurement techniques.
Recent recipients
Frances M. Ross
2025 recipient
For groundbreaking advances in in situ electron microscopy in vacuum and liquid environments.
David A Muller
2024 recipient
For pioneering a new generation of electron detectors and phase-sensitive reconstruction algorithms leading to significant advances in the resolution and capabilities of electron microscopes.
Joel N. Ullom
2023 recipient
For the development of ultrasensitive multi-pixel transition-edge-sensor calorimeters and spectrometers for applications in astrophysics, nuclear security, materials analysis, and metrology.
Daniel Rugar
2022 recipient
For seminal developments in magnetic force microscopy leading to significant measurement advancements, including the detection of a single electron spin and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging at the nanometer scale.
H.J. (John) Mamin
2022 recipient
For seminal developments in magnetic force microscopy leading to significant measurement advancements, including the detection of a single electron spin and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging at the nanometer scale.
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.