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Call for Nominations

The Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) annually invites nominations for the Laboratory Astrophysics Prize, 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.

The Laboratory Astrophysics Prize is presented, normally on an annual basis, to an individual who has made significant theoretical or experimental contributions to laboratory astrophysics over an extended period of time. The prize will include a cash award, a framed certificate, and an invited lecture by the recipient at a meeting of the Laboratory Astrophysics Division.

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 will include a check, a framed certificate, and an invited lecture by the recipient at a meeting of the Laboratory Astrophysics Division.

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.

The recipients for each year will be announced typically in January at the AAS Winter Meeting, and their presentations will be made at the annual LAD meeting, which is typically held jointly with the AAS Summer 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.

 

The nomination package for the Laboratory Astrophysics Prize or the Early Career Award must include:

  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.
  3. A summary of the significant aspects of the nominee’s career (not to exceed 5 pages total including figures and bibliography)
  4. A curriculum vitae
  5. A publication list

    Additional material (such as reprints, etc.) will not be considered.

The Nomination package for the Dissertation Prize must include:

  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.
  3. A summary of the thesis (not to exceed 5 pages including figures and bibliography)
  4. A statement from the nominee’s university (Ph.D. or equivalent degree has been awarded)
  5. A curriculum vitae
  6. A publication list

    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. The deadline for receipt of the nomination package and supporting letters for the Laboratory Astrophysics Prize 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 and 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 material should be sent by the deadline directly to the LAD Secretary (lad.secretary@aas.org).