APS Honors

APS Prizes, Awards, and Dissertation Awards

APS prizes & awards recognize outstanding achievements in research, education and public service. With few exceptions, they are open to all members of the scientific community in the U.S. and abroad. The nomination and selection procedure, involving APS-appointed selection committees, guarantees their high standards and prestige.

APS Medal

APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research

To recognize contributions of the highest level that advance our knowledge and understanding of the physical universe. Learn more

APS News Feature: 2022 APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research Awarded to Elliott Lieb

Elliott LiebPrinceton University physicist to receive top APS honor

Mathematical physicist Elliott H. Lieb has been selected to receive the 2022 APS Medal for Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research for “major contributions to theoretical physics through obtaining exact solutions to important physical problems, which have impacted condensed matter physics, quantum information, statistical mechanics, and atomic physics.”... Read more

APS Fellowship

Fellowship is a distinct honor signifying recognition by one's professional peers. Any active APS member is eligible for nomination and election to APS Fellowship. The criterion for election is exceptional contributions to the physics enterprise; e.g., outstanding physics research, important applications of physics, leadership in or service to physics, or significant contributions to physics education.

Gray arrow APS Fellowship

Historic Sites Initiative

Every year, APS recognizes a select number of sites in the United States where important events in the history of physics took place. Visit our directory of sites and learn how you can nominate your favorite location. Awardees receive a plaque commemorating the site's significance to physics, and a listing in the APS Historic Sites online directory.

Gray arrow APS Historic Sites

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.