Prize for Industrial Applications of Physics
The Prize for Industrial Applications of Physics was last awarded in 2017.
It was presented biennially to an individual, or individuals, for applications of physics in an industrial setting. Its purpose was to recognize excellence in the industrial application of physics, thereby publicizing the value of physics in industry, to encourage physics research in industry, and to enhance students' awareness of and interest in the role of physics in commercial product development.
The prize consisted of $10,000, a certificate, travel reimbursement and registration waiver to attend the APS meeting at which the prize was presented. It was awarded for innovative, leading-edge applications of physics to emerging technologies. It was not necessary for the application to have already achieved commercial success, but it should have demonstrated potential for significant impact. Although nominees did not need to be working in industry currently, the contributions for which they were cited must have been made while their principal employment was in industry. Recognized contributions included products, processes, and tools that enabled practical application of physics. Nominees were not required to be APS members, and the prize had no restriction with regard to geography or nationality.
Recent recipients
Asad Khan
2017 recipient
For novel contributions to the physics of bistable, reflective cholesteric liquid crystals, and the commercial applications of pressure-sensitive liquid crystal displays, including switchable windows, eWriters and numerous new products.
Supratik Guha
2015 recipient
For seminal contributions to the science of silicon microelectronics and particularly, the development of high dielectric constant oxide transistor technology.
John Woollam
2013 recipient
For sustained contributions to commercialization of spectroscopic ellipsometry, including greatly improved instrumentation and numerous new applications.
Billy Ward
2011 recipient
For innovative developments in the physics of field ion microscopy and the invention and commercial introduction of the Helium Ion Microscope.
Nicholas P. Economou
2011 recipient
For innovative developments in the physics of field ion microscopy and the invention and commercial introduction of the Helium Ion Microscope.
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.