Introduction
The Walther-Gaimann Innovation Award is a new initiative inspired by the spirit of the International Association of Physics Students: curiosity without borders, bold thinking, and students shaping the future of physics and beyond. This prize celebrates IAPS members who went beyond expectations to create something truly extraordinary — whether a groundbreaking project, an unconventional initiative, or a “crazy” idea no one saw coming.
Tell us a story… What did you do? How did you do it? Why does it matter?
We want to hear your story. What have you been working on? What unexpected, bold, or unconventional ideas are you bringing to the physics community?
The honored recipient will be awarded a Participation Fee Waiver to the International Conference of Physics Students (ICPS) 2026, the flagship conference of IAPS, to be held from 1st-8th August 2026, in Rabat (Morocco).
The winner will not only receive recognition, but also the opportunity to deliver a keynote talk focused on the project or initiative that earned them the Walther-Gaimann Innovation Prize, sharing their ideas with physics students from around the world. Applications are open from 1 January to 14 February, marking the launch of a new IAPS initiative dedicated to celebrating fearless student innovation and creativity.
If this resonates with you, we invite you to explore the criteria and apply for the award.
Eligibility
The applicants must fulfil all the requirements:
- Applicants must be 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.
- Applicants must IAPS members of the current term (2025-2026). In order to fulfill IAPS membership, candidates must be affiliated with an IAPS Territorial or Local Committee, or be an IAPS Individual Member (for regions not covered by a Committee). For more information contact members@iaps.info.
- Applicants must have not served in IAPS Executive Committee or IAPS AC5 Council for the current (2025-2026) and the past 3 terms (2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025)
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Description of the innovative idea and its impact (max. 1 page)
- Photos, videos, or other audiovisual material of the innovative idea that may be used by IAPS to showcase and promote members’ activities
- Declaration of consent signed
- Optional – Reference letter / Testimonial from a faculty member (e.g. professor, advisor) or from someone who can attest to the project’s impact
How to apply?
Self-nomination is welcomed and encouraged. The applicants should submit their applications with the all application materials (including reference letter/testimonial – if any) via email to innovation.award@iaps.info from 1st January 2026 until 14th February 2026 23:59 UTC. Submissions through any other means will not be accepted. Late applications will not be considered.
For any inquiries, please contact ec@iaps.info.
How your application will be evaluated?
The IAPS Innovation Award focuses on both your project and you as an applicant. Reviewers will assess:
1. Project & Innovation Quality (60%)
We look at:
- Originality & innovation – How new or creative is your idea or approach compared to what is commonly done?
- Impact – Who and how many people are affected, and what measurable or clearly observable outcomes you can show.
- Sustainability & scalability – Whether the project can continue, be repeated, or expanded, and how realistic this is.
- Implementation & outcomes – How well you planned and executed the project, how you used feedback, and what you learned (including from challenges or failures).
2. Storytelling & Presentation (20%)
Since you will present at ICPS, we value:
- Clarity & structure – A clear, logical, and easy‑to‑follow description of your project.
- Engagement & accessibility – How well you engage a broad physics‑student audience, including non‑experts.
- Communication of impact – Use of concrete examples (and visuals if applicable) to vividly show what your project achieved and why it matters.
3. Applicant Assessment (20%)
Based on your CV and recommendation letters, we consider:
- Leadership & initiative – Your role in starting, driving, or leading activities or projects.
- Collaboration & responsibility – How you work with others, share credit, and handle responsibilities.
- Alignment with IAPS values & integrity – Ethical conduct, inclusivity, and honest, responsible work.
When preparing your application, make sure you clearly explain your project’s originality, impact, and sustainability; tell a coherent and engaging story; and document your contributions and values through your CV and references.
The Namesakes – Cyrus Walther and Mario Gaimann
Cyrus Pan Walther and Mario Gaimann are two inspiring student leaders in physics, passionate innovators, and long standing friends.
Their collaboration started in 2020 during their efforts in the Organizing Committee of PLANCKS 2022 in Munich, IAPS’ major theoretical physics competition. Both went on to serve in the Executive Committee of the International Association of Physics Students (IAPS), where they became the drivers of modernization and forward-thinking change across the international physics student community.
Cyrus Pan Walther, astroparticle physicist, science diplomat, and champion for young researchers around the world. Cyrus has been a transformative force in IAPS serving as the two times President of the International Association of Physics Students of the legislative periods 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 leading our association through and out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Spearheading the organization’s return after the COVID-19 pandemic, he championed a culture of innovation that reshaped IAPS’ global role. Cyrus is one of the youngest members elected to the prestigious Fellowship of the International Science Council (ISC), where he actively advances science as a global public good. Under his leadership, IAPS achieved membership in the ISC and forged high-impact partnerships with institutions such as the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the Fondazione Internazionale Trieste (FIT). He now serves a second consecutive term on the Executive Committee of the ISC’s Committee on Data, where he advocates for the voices of early-career researchers across disciplines and continents.
Mario Gaimann has left an equally powerful mark as a two-term Treasurer of IAPS (2022–2023, 2023–2024). He led a comprehensive modernization of the IAPS treasury, launching a transparent call-based grant system and pioneering the first investments of IAPS’ capital – key steps that strengthened the organization’s financial resilience. Mario drove new funding initiatives by securing IAPS’ first-ever applications to EU youth programs and built strong collaborative ties with European partner associations, engaging at prominent events such as the European Youth Event in Strasbourg and activities of the European Youth Foundation in Brussels. His commitment to the growth of the physics student community began early, when he joined the 2017–18 Members Working Group as Contact Manager for the Asia-Pacific Region. His recruitment efforts led to the establishment of the IAPS Territorial Committee (TC) Philippines, which later organized the first International Conference of Physics Students (ICPS) in the region in 2023, strengthening IAPS’ presence and growth across the region. As Head of External Funding Partners for PLANCKS 2022 in Munich, he secured over €10,000 in funding from industry and academia. His excellence, creativity, and leadership have been recognized through several distinguished fellowships, including awards from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung) and the Max Weber Program of the Elite Network of Bavaria.
Together, Cyrus and Mario were the first to represent IAPS at the International Science Council, elevating the association’s role in global science diplomacy. They further served as IAPS delegates for the Closing Ceremony of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD) at CERN in Geneva and various IAPS initiatives.
Today, Cyrus and Mario continue to support IAPS as dedicated alumni. Their leadership, energy, and innovative spirit exemplify the values celebrated by the Walther-Gaimann Innovation Award – an award inspired by their commitment to empowering students, strengthening international collaboration, and shaping a more innovative future for the scientific community.