The LAD 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.

Criteria for consideration and selection include but are not limited to:

  1. Significance of sustained and impactful theoretical or experimental contributions to laboratory astrophysics throughout their career: Research activities by candidates for the LAD Early Career Award provide insights or professional applications that demonstrate potential for future impact or have early results with impact in their general area of expertise, and contribute to the theoretical or experimental approach to topics as evidenced by publications (e.g., citations, presentations, etc.).

While not a major criterion for the award, presence and/or support for relevant societies, mentoring/teaching, outreach, etc., will be considered in evaluations and holistic review of the candidate by the committee.

The Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) annually invites nominations for the Early Career Award. For information on the nomination process please go to the Call for Nominations page.

The deadline for receipt of the nomination package and supporting letters for the Early Career Award is by 11:59:59 pm EDT on 1 July each year.  

LAD Early Career Award Recipients