Norman F. Ramsey Prize in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, and in Precision Tests of Fundamental Laws and Symmetries

Rules and eligibility

The prize is awarded annually for outstanding work in precision measurements of fundamental constants and tests of fundamental laws and symmetries or in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. The prize shall ordinarily go to one individual, but may be shared with one or two others if this is clearly appropriate. Nominations are open to scientists of all nationalities regardless of the geographical site at which the work was done. Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline. In keeping with the APS goal of serving a diverse and inclusive community of physicists, nominations of qualified women and members of underrepresented minority groups are especially encouraged.

Process and selection

Nomination components:

• the nominee’s name, institution, contact information,
• a suggested citation (300 characters or less including spaces),
• a nomination letter (5,000 characters or less including spaces) evaluating the nominee's qualifications,
• at least two, but no more than four, letters of support,
• a demographics form,
• the nominee’s biosketch,
• a list of the nominee’s most important publications,
• up to five reprints or preprints.

Establishment and support

In Honor of Norman Ramsey

Norman Foster Ramsey, a Nobel Laureate in Physics (1989), was an outstanding figure in the world of physics. His scientific accomplishments include the invention of the ubiquitous separated oscillatory field method and the hydrogen maser. Ramsey was also an outstanding teacher, scientific statesman, and advocate for science and technology. He carried out his research with great passion, but also in a spirit of collegiality and fairness.

The Ramsey prize was established in 2017 with contributions from the family and friends of Norman Ramsey, individual donations from members of the American Physical Society, corporate sponsorship by TOPTICA and Thorlabs, and additional support from Menlo Systems. The Prize is jointly administered by the APS Topical Group on Precision Measurement and Fundamental Constants (GPMFC) and by the APS DAMOP, with each selecting three members of a selection committee, and alternating its chair selection year by year. The prize winner serves on the following year’s committee.

Recent recipients