Lev D. Landau and Lyman Spitzer Jr. Award for Outstanding Contributions to Plasma Physics
The Lev D. Landau and Lyman Spitzer Jr. Award for Outstanding Contributions to Plasma Physics is given to an individual or group of researchers for outstanding theoretical, experimental, or technical contribution(s) in plasma physics and for advancing the collaboration and unity between Europe and the United States of America by joint research or research that advances knowledge which benefits the two communities in a unique way. The award may be given to a team or collaboration of up to four persons affiliated with either European or United States institutions. The Award consists of a $4000 honorarium, a certificate citing the contribution, and a registration fee waiver to attend the meeting at which the award is to be presented. The person or team receiving the award will be offered an invited talk at the forthcoming annual conference of APS-DPP (usually early November) or EPS-DPP (usually end of June, or first week of July), depending on the affiliation of the recipient(s).
Rules and eligibility
Self-nominations and personal applications are not permitted. Members of the APS Division of Plasma Physics Executive Committee and the EPS Plasma Physics Division Board are ineligible. The Award recognizes work completed within the last 10 years and cannot be given posthumously or awarded more than once.
Establishment and support
The American Physical Society (APS) and the European Physical Society (EPS), through their respective Plasma Physics Divisions, will each contribute $2000 per prize.
Recent recipients
Anna Grassi
2024 recipient
For the critical advancement in the understanding of the particle acceleration physics in astrophysically-relevant shocks through theoretical analysis and experiments at the National Ignition Facility.
Frederico Fiuza
2024 recipient
For the critical advancement in the understanding of the particle acceleration physics in astrophysically-relevant shocks through theoretical analysis and experiments at the National Ignition Facility.
George F. Swadling
2024 recipient
For the critical advancement in the understanding of the particle acceleration physics in astrophysically-relevant shocks through theoretical analysis and experiments at the National Ignition Facility.
Hye-Sook Park
2024 recipient
For the critical advancement in the understanding of the particle acceleration physics in astrophysically-relevant shocks through theoretical analysis and experiments at the National Ignition Facility.
Christopher Chen
2022 recipient
For the theoretical development of the field-particle correlation technique and its application to spacecraft measurements directly showing that electron Landau damping plays a role in the dissipation of space plasma turbulence.
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.