Early Career Scientist Prize

Introduction:

The International Association of Physics Students, serving as the Affiliated Commission 5 (AC5) of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), is honored to present the Early Career Scientist Prize.

Th IUPAP Early Career Scientist (former Young Scientist) Prizes recognize the contributions of early career physicists within the subfields of each Commission. More information about the IUPAP Early Career Scientist Prize can be found here.

Since its inception in 1987, IAPS has actively encouraged engagement between physics students worldwide, embodying its motto: “by Physics Students, for Physics Students.”
It is time for this engagement to be rewarded!

The AC5 Early Career Scientist Prize (ECSP) is a prize that is more than just recognition—it is a celebration of dedication and passion towards Physics within the youth scientific community, all around the globe. The AC5 ECSP aims to recognize associative engagement and scientific excellence. This prize acknowledges Leadership in Physics Student Associations, Physics Event Organization, and Engagement in Physics Outreach. Candidates should also show commitment to advancing the field of Physics through academic achievements.

Award:

The ECSP signifies a milestone in one’s career, inspiring continued pursuit of knowledge and engagement in the field of Physics. 

The honored recipient will be presented with a prize of 1,000 Euros, a prestigious IUPAP Medal and a distinguished IAPS Certificate as AC5.

Eligibility:

Candidates must be IAPS members.

This comprises students enrolled in a university or similar institution on a physics or physics-related course at the level of Bachelor, Master, or PhD, as well as up to twelve months after receiving a degree from a university or similar institution.

In order to fulfill IAPS membership, candidates must be affiliated with an IAPS Territorial or Local Committee, or be an IAPS Individual Member. See the full list of IAPS Committees here.

Note: Members of the IAPS EC and the AC5 Council of terms 2023-24 and 2022-23 as well as past members of AC5 ECSP Subgroup are not eligible to apply!

Deadline:

Deadline for ECSP application:
June 17th, 2024, 11:59pm UTC

How to Apply:

Self-nomination is welcomed and encouraged for the AC5 Early Career Scientist Prize.

Applications should be sent to ecsp-application@iaps.info, with the aforementioned required documents attached, by the indicated deadline.

Candidacy Requirements:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV):
    • Maximum 3 pages
    • Links can be included
  • Personal Statement:
    • Maximum 2 pages
    • Candidates are free to structure their application as they wish.
    • Rationale: The CV and personal statement provide candidates with opportunities to highlight their engagement with the physics community, participation in outreach activities, and scientific excellence. Candidates should utilize relevant materials to effectively communicate their qualifications and achievements.
  • Recommendation Letters:
    • Number of Recommendation Letters required: 2
    • It is encouraged, but not obligatory, that recommendation letters be structured to address associative contributions in one letter and academic accomplishments in another.
    • Emphasis on candidate’s achievements in academic and associative domains.
    • Content is prioritized over the reputation of the recommender.
    • Rationale: Recommendation letters provide an external assessment of the candidate’s qualifications, highlighting their achievements in academic and associative contexts, considering the candidate’s geographic and educational background.
  • Declaration of Consent
    • Please download the form by clicking here. This Declaration of Consent must be filled out completely, signed and submitted with the rest of the application documents.

Evaluation Criteria:

Associative Engagement and Dedication:

  • Involvement and contribution to the physics student community.
  • Influence on physics students and broader communities.
  • Participation in local, national, or international associations.
  • Active engagement in projects and committees.
  • Implementation of innovative ideas.
  • Efforts in Outreach and Science Communication.

Scientific Excellence:

  • Focus on the candidate’s own educational path and research.
  • Quality of education highlighted through recommendation letters.
  • Demonstrated dedication to their research field of interest.
  • Consideration of distinctions, awards, fellowships/scholarships, and breadth of expertise.
  • Note: Stage of education (Bachelor, Master, PhD) will be taken into account through the evaluation process.

Contact:

Please contact ac5-council-ecsp@iaps.info or vice-president@iaps.info if you have any questions.