Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics
This prize recognizes outstanding publications in the field of mathematical physics. The prize consists of $10,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient plus travel expenses to attend the meeting at which the prize is bestowed. It will be presented annually.
Rules and eligibility
This prize is awarded solely for valuable published contributions made in the field of mathematical physics with no restrictions placed on a candidate's citizenship or country of residence. "Publication" is defined as either a single paper, a series of papers, a book, or any other communication which can be considered a publication. The prize may be awarded to more than one person on a shared basis when all recipients have contributed to the same accomplishments. 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
- Thomas Spencer (Chair)
- Antti Kupiainen
- Hirosi Ooguri
- Michael Douglas
- Nikita Nekrasov
Establishment and support
This prize was established in 1959 by the Heineman Foundation for Research, Educational, Charitable, and Scientific Purposes, Inc., and is administered jointly by the American Physical Society and the American Institute of Physics.
Recent recipients
Samson L. Shatashvili
2025 recipient
For clever use of various techniques in studying symmetry in quantum field theory, in particular, for work with L. Faddeev on anomalies, with C. Vafa on exceptional holonomy compactifications of superstrings, and for the co-discovery of Bethe/gauge correspondence between supersymmetric vacua and quantum integrability.
David C. Brydges
2024 recipient
For achievements in the fields of constructive quantum field theory and rigorous statistical mechanics, especially the introduction of new techniques including random walk representations in spin systems, the lace expansion, and mathematically rigorous implementations of the renormalization group.
Nikita Nekrasov
2023 recipient
For the elegant application of powerful mathematical techniques to extract exact results for quantum field theories, as well as shedding light on integrable systems and non-commutative geometry.
Krzysztof Gawędzki
2022 recipient
For fundamental contributions to quantum field theory, statistical mechanics, and fluid dynamics using geometric, probabilistic, and renormalization group ideas.
Antti Kupiainen
2022 recipient
For fundamental contributions to quantum field theory, statistical mechanics, and fluid dynamics using geometric, probabilistic, and renormalization group ideas.
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.