Julius Edgar Lilienfeld Prize
The Julius Edgar Lilienfeld Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to physics and exceptional skills in lecturing to diverse audiences. The prize consists of $20,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, an allowance for travel to the APS Medal and Prize Ceremony and Reception in Washington, DC, and an invited talk at an APS March or April Meeting, plus expenses for the three lectures by the recipient given at an APS meeting, a research university, and a predominantly undergraduate institution. The prize will be presented annually.
Rules and eligibility
The prize shall be awarded for outstanding contributions to physics by a single individual who also has exceptional skills in lecturing to diverse audiences. 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
- John Marston
- Brian Fields
- John Wilkerson
- Robert Bernstein
- Michael Brown
- Kristan Corwin
- Bruce Carlsten
- David Weiss
- Dragana Popovic
- Kenneth Brown
- Peter Olmsted
- Glenn Fredrickson
- Jennifer Ross
- Caroline Jarrold
- Deirdre Shoemaker
- Rachel Goldman
- Xuan Chen
- Amy Liu
Establishment and support
The prize was established in 1988 under the terms of a bequest of Beatrice Lilienfeld in memory of her husband, Julius Edgar Lilienfeld.
Recent recipients
Bharat Ratra
2025 recipient
For pioneering research in cosmology and particle astrophysics, including on the quantum mechanics of inflation and dark energy dynamics, and for contributions to science education and popularization at all levels.
Edward W. Kolb
2024 recipient
For pioneering and outstanding contributions to cosmology and particle physics, and an exceptional ability to communicate the extraordinary developments at the intersection of physics and cosmology to the general public.
Albert-László Barabási
2023 recipient
For pioneering work on the statistical physics of networks that transformed the study of complex systems, and for lasting contributions in communicating the significance of this rapidly developing field to a broad range of audiences.
Chang Kee Jung
2022 recipient
For outstanding contributions and leadership in experimental neutrino physics, and for outstanding teaching and outreach, especially on the physics of sports.
William M. Jackson
2021 recipient
For outstanding contributions to fundamental chemical physics and spectroscopy associated with asteroids and comets, and for exemplary teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as lifelong service and inspiration to a diverse community.
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.