Fluid Dynamics Prize
The Fluid Dynamics Prize recognizes and encourages outstanding achievement in fluid dynamics research. The prize consists of $10,000, an allowance for registration and travel to the meeting at which the prize is awarded, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It will be presented annually.
Rules and eligibility
This prize is awarded for outstanding contributions to fundamental fluid dynamics research. The prize shall ordinarily be awarded to one person but may be shared when all the recipients have contributed to the same achievement. The award of the prize to a previous recipient of the Fluid Dynamics Prize or of the Otto Laporte Award must be justified by outstanding contributions that are different from those for which the previous award was given. This prize is awarded solely for valuable contributions made in the field of Fluid Dynamics with no restrictions placed on a candidate's citizenship or country of residence. 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 nominee's qualifications
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
- Anne Juel
- Eric Lauga
- Sanjiva Lele
- Ann Karagozian
- Robert Moser
- Clancy Rowley
- Jacqueline Chen
- Geoffrey Vallis
Establishment and support
This prize was established in 1979 with support from the Office of Naval Research. In 2004, the Otto Laporte Award was combined with the Fluid Dynamics Prize so that the Division of Fluid Dynamics would have a single major prize — the Fluid Dynamics Prize. The prize is now supported by the Division of Fluid Dynamics, friends of Otto Laporte, and the APS journal Physical Review Fluids.
Recent recipients
Jacques Magnaudet
2026 recipient
For seminal contributions to understanding the physical mechanisms underpinning multiphase flows, including the path instability of rising bubbles and buoyant particles and their motion across density interfaces; for deep insight into the fluid forces acting on buoyant objects; and for leadership within the fluid mechanics community.
Sanjiva K. Lele
2025 recipient
For contributions to computational aeroacoustics and the understanding of sound generation, sustained research elucidating the physics of compressible turbulence, and development of foundational numerical methods for high-fidelity flow simulations.
Javier Jiménez
2024 recipient
For groundbreaking advancements in unraveling turbulence through direct numerical simulation, conceptual experiments, and theoretical analysis.
Elisabeth Guazzelli
2023 recipient
For ground-breaking experiments on fluid-particle systems; for advances in the unification of the rheological description of dry granular media and dense "wet" suspensions; for guidance of theory through focused and creative experiments; and for leadership in the fluid mechanics community.
Elisabeth Charlaix
2022 recipient
For a ground-breaking exploration of the liquid-solid interface leading in particular to a quantitative understanding of the Navier slip condition, based on an exquisite surface force apparatus developed for this purpose.
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.
Fluid Dynamics Prize
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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.