The Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) annually invites nominations for the Laboratory Astrophysics Prize, the Mid-Career Award, the Early Career Award, and the Dissertation Prize. The field of laboratory astrophysics encompasses all fundamental theoretical and experimental research into the underlying processes that drive the cosmos.

All LAD members and/or colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations for LAD prizes. Nominators, Letter writers, or Candidates are not required to be AAS or LAD members.

We will also request Prize Winners to review the AAS Code of Ethics and the Anti-Harassment Policy for AAS & Division Meetings & Activities before the award is made.

 

The Laboratory Astrophysics Prize is presented, normally on an annual basis, to an individual who has made sustained and impactful theoretical or experimental contributions to laboratory astrophysics throughout their career. The candidate should demonstrate engagement and collaboration in the broader research community and is committed to professional development at a broad level, including holding leadership positions, being active members of professional societies, advisory or service committees, and engagement in public outreach and service, mentoring or teaching, etc. The prize includes a cash award, a framed certificate, and an invited lecture by the recipient at the annual meeting of the Laboratory Astrophysics Division. See more details on criterion for selection here.

 

The Mid-Career Award is presented, normally on an annual basis, to an individual who has made significant theoretical or experimental contributions to laboratory astrophysics during their mid-career stage. Nominees must have 11 to 20 years of cumulative professional experience since their PhD or equivalent degree, with allowances possible for career interruptions. The candidate may also demonstrate engagement and collaboration in the broader research community and commitment to professional development at a broad level, including activity in professional societies, advisory and service committees, engagement in public outreach and service, mentoring or teaching, etc., as appropriate for a mid-career researcher and their circumstances. The award includes a cash award, a framed certificate, and an invited lecture by the recipient at the annual meeting of the Laboratory Astrophysics Division. See more details on criterion for selection here.

 

The Early Career Award is presented, normally on an annual basis, to an individual in recognition of a significant theoretical or experimental contribution to laboratory astrophysics early in a person’s professional career. Nominees must have no more than 10 years of professional experience since their PhD or equivalent degree, at the end of the year of the award. The award includes a cash award, a framed certificate, and an invited lecture by the recipient at the annual meeting of the Laboratory Astrophysics Division. See more details on criterion for selection.

 

The Dissertation Prize is presented, normally on an annual basis, to recognize an outstanding theoretical or experimental doctoral dissertation (or the equivalent) in laboratory astrophysics. The prize is awarded to an individual who has completed their PhD or equivalent degree in any of the three calendar years immediately preceding the award year. The prize includes a cash award, a citation, and an invited lecture by the recipient at a meeting of the Division. See more details on criterion for selection here.

 

The recipients for each year will be announced by the AAS Winter Meeting, and their presentations will be made at the following annual LAD meeting, which is typically held jointly with the AAS Summer Meeting (the invited talk can be extended for 1 year until the next LAD meeting). Any nominee not selected will be automatically considered in the next two consecutive years, or as long as the nominee is eligible, whichever is less. It is highly encouraged to update submission packages annually to ensure all information is up to date.

The nomination package for the Laboratory Astrophysics Prize, Mid-Career Award or the Early Career Award must be combined and submitted as one file (zipped file or combined pdf) by 11:59:59 pm EDT on July 1st each year, which includes:

  1. A nomination letter, including a one-sentence proposed citation.  Only one signator allowed.
  2. Two letters of support.  Additional letters will not be considered*. Only one signator per letter allowed.

*NOTE: Self-nominations may include a third external support letter.

  1. A summary of the significant aspects of the nominee’s career (not to exceed 5 pages total including figures and bibliography)
  2. A curriculum vitae
  3. A publication list
  4. Additional material (such as reprints, etc.) will not be considered.

 

The Nomination package for the Dissertation Prize must be combined and submitted as one file (zipped file or combined pdf) by 11:59:59 pm EST on 31 December each year, which includes:

  1. A nomination letter, including a one-sentence proposed citation.  Only one signator allowed.
  2. Two letters of support.  Additional letters will not be considered*. Only one signator per letter allowed.

*NOTE: Self-nominations may include a third external support letter.

  1. A summary of the thesis (not to exceed 5 pages including figures and bibliography)
  2. A statement from the nominee’s university (Ph.D. or equivalent degree has been awarded)
  3. A curriculum vitae
  4. A publication list.
  5. Additional material (such as reprints, etc.) will not be considered.

Nominators, letter writers, and candidates need not be AAS or LAD members. Self-nominations are allowed, and permitted one additional support letter. The deadline for receipt of the nomination package including supporting letters for the Laboratory Astrophysics Prize, Mid-Career, and the Early Career Award is by 11:59:59 pm EDT on July 1st each year. The deadline for receipt of the nomination package including supporting letters for the Dissertation Prize is by 11:59:59 pm EST on 31 December each year.

Attracting and serving a diverse and inclusive membership worldwide is a primary goal for LAD. In calling for nominations, we wish to remind you how important it is to give full consideration to qualified women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and scientists from outside the United States.

All nomination materials must be submitted by email to the LAD Secretary at [email protected] as a single submission containing one or multiple PDF files (in a zipped folder) by the deadline indicated.