Max Delbrück Prize in Biological Physics
To recognize and encourage outstanding achievement in biological physics research. The prize consists of $10,000, an allowance for travel to attend the meeting at which the prize is awarded, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient or recipients. It is presented annually.
Prior to 2008, this prize was awarded as the Biological Physics Prize.
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 investigator on a shared basis. 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 of preprints
Selection Committee
- Xiaoqin Zou (Chair)
- Arvind Murugan (Vice Chair)
- Arpita Upadhyaya
- Steven Block
- Eric Siggia
Establishment and support
Established in 1981 by friends of the APS Division of Biological Physics (DBIO) as the Biological Physics Prize, renamed in 2006 in conjunction with an endowment campaign. Key contributors include two anonymous donors, one a former student of John Hopfield, and DBIO members through a transfer of DBIO operating funds. In 2020, a second campaign raised funds to enable the Delbruck prize to be awarded annually.
Previous sponsors of the Biological Physics Prize included Abbott Labs, Bio-Rad Microscience Division, Candela Laser Corp., Coherent Laser Products Group, Eastman Kodak Co., Furumoto Research Foundation, Newport Corporation-Bio-Instruments Division, and Siemens AG, Medical Engineering Group with continued funding by Coherent.
Recent recipients
Eric D. Siggia
2024 recipient
For powerful theoretical approaches to the physics of life and incisive connections between theory and experiment, from the mechanics of DNA to the dynamics of genetic networks, and from noise in gene expression to pattern formation in embryos and populations of stem cells.
Arup K. Chakraborty
2023 recipient
For the leading role in initiating the field of computational immunology, aimed at applying approaches from physical sciences and engineering to unravel the mechanistic underpinnings of the adaptive immune response to pathogens, and to harness this understanding to help design vaccines and therapy.
Terence Tai-Li Hwa
2022 recipient
For developing quantitative studies that reveal fundamental constraints on bacterial physiology, and for formulating simple phenomenological theories that quantitatively predict bacterial responses to genetic and environmental changes.
Andrea Cavagna
2021 recipient
For the incisive combination of observation, analysis, and theory to elucidate the beautiful statistical physics problems underlying collective behavior in natural flocks and swarms.
Irene Giardina
2021 recipient
For the incisive combination of observation, analysis, and theory to elucidate the beautiful statistical physics problems underlying collective behavior in natural flocks and swarms.
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.