J. J. Sakurai Prize for Theoretical Particle Physics
To recognize and encourage outstanding achievement in particle theory. The prize consists of $10,000, an allowance for travel to the meeting of the Society at which the prize is to be awarded, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It will be presented annually.
Rules and eligibility
Nominations are open to scientists of all nationalities regardless of the geographical site at which the work was done. The prize may be awarded to more than one person on a shared basis. The prize will normally be awarded for theoretical contributions made at an early stage of the recipient's research career. Nominations are active for three years.
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
- Patrick Meade
- Stephen Mrenna
- JiJi Fan
- Lance Dixon
- Iain Stewart
Establishment and support
This prize was endowed in 1984 as a memorial to and in recognition of the accomplishments of J. J. Sakurai by the family and friends of J. J. Sakurai.
Recent recipients
John F. Donoghue
2026 recipient
For original and lasting contributions to the development of effective field theories, including work on gravity as an effective quantum field theory, and important contributions to chiral perturbation theory.
Elizabeth E. Jenkins
2025 recipient
For outstanding contributions to the physics of baryons, including deriving many physical properties of nucleons and hyperons in the large number of colors limit of quantum chromodynamics and deriving the renormalization group evolution of the standard model effective field theory at one loop.
Aneesh V. Manohar
2025 recipient
For outstanding contributions to the physics of baryons, including deriving many physical properties of nucleons and hyperons in the large number of colors limit of quantum chromodynamics and deriving the renormalization group evolution of the standard model effective field theory at one loop.
Andrzej J. Buras
2024 recipient
For exceptional contributions to quark-flavor physics, in particular, developing and carrying out calculations of higher-order QCD effects to electroweak transitions, as well as for drawing phenomenological connections between kaons, D mesons, and B mesons.
Heinrich Leutwyler
2023 recipient
For fundamental contributions to the effective field theory of pions at low energies, and for proposing that the gluon is a color octet
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.
J. J. Sakurai Prize for Theoretical Particle Physics
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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.