Honors

Prizes & Awards

Important: There may be discrepancies between application requirements shown on this page and the application portal. We apologize as this is our first year transitioning to a new application system. Please refer to this page as the final authority as guidelines and requirements for applications.

Graduate Research Excellence Travel Award

The FGSA Graduate Research Excellence Award recognizes graduate students who have made noteworthy progress in their academic careers.

Award Allocation: Up to $500 (domestic students) or $1,000 (international students). The designation of domestic/international is based on the location of your institution, not your origin of travel.

Eligibility: Students who are members of APS and FGSA, and presenting during the 2025 Global Physics Summit. We encourage students of all stages to apply.

Required Application Materials: The application includes some background questions, a statement of purpose, and CV. Please follow the guidelines below for the CV and SOP.

  1. 2 page CV with at least the following addressed

    1. Research experience/projects

    2. Professional experience/projects/internships

    3. Selected publications

    4. Leadership/extracurricular activities

  2. 1 page Statement of Purpose addressing the following

    1. What is your research and why is it important? Please keep in mind that those reviewing your application may not have specific knowledge of your field.

Evaluation Criteria

  1. Research & professional experience

  2. Description of research goals and impact

  3. Publications

  4. Extracurricular/leadership activities

  5. Overall score

Please note that while the application system may show an optional advisor’s letter of support, any letters submitted will not be considered in application evaluation.

Apply here

Underrepresented Minority Travel Award

Underrepresented Minority (URM) Student Awards seek to address inequities and unique challenges often faced by underrepresented students in physics. The goal of the award is to support students while improving the attendee representation at APS conferences. 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.

Award Allocation: Up to $500 (domestic students) or $1,000 (international students). The designation of domestic/international is based on the location of your institution, not your origin of travel.

Eligibility: Students who are members of APS and FGSA, and presenting during the 2025 Global Physics Summit. We encourage students of all stages to apply.

Required Application Materials: The application includes some background questions, a statement of purpose, and CV. Please follow the guidelines below for the CV and SOP.

  1. 2 page CV with at least the following addressed

    1. Research experience/projects

    2. Professional experience/projects/internships

    3. Selected publications

    4. Leadership/extracurricular activities

  2. 1 page Statement of Purpose addressing the following

    1. What is your research and why is it important? Please keep in mind that those reviewing your application may not have specific knowledge of your field.

    2. How will receiving this award impact diversity, equity, and inclusion in APS and physics?

Evaluation Criteria

  1. Research & professional experience

  2. Description of research goals and impact

  3. Publications

  4. Extracurricular/leadership activities

  5. Impact of DEI on APS/physics

  6. Overall score

Please note that while the application system may show an optional advisor’s letter of support, any letters submitted will not be considered in application evaluation.

Apply here

First Time Conference Participant Travel Award

This award specifically seeks applicants who are attending their first APS Meeting, which is often the most impactful and meaningful in a young student’s career. 

Award Allocation: Up to $500 (domestic students) or $1,000 (international students). The designation of domestic/international is based on the location of your institution, not your origin of travel.

Eligibility: Students who are members of APS and FGSA, and presenting during the 2025 Global Physics Summit. We encourage students of all stages to apply.

Required Application Materials: The application includes some background questions, a statement of purpose, and CV. Please follow the guidelines below for the CV and SOP.

  1. 2 page CV with at least the following addressed

    1. Research experience/projects

    2. Professional experience/projects/internships

    3. Selected publications

    4. Leadership/extracurricular activities

  2. 1 page Statement of Purpose addressing the following

    1. What is your research and why is it important? Please keep in mind that those reviewing your application may not have specific knowledge of your field.

    2. What are your goals for this conference and how will it impact your career, especially as it is your first time attending?

Evaluation Criteria

  1. Research & professional experience

  2. Description of research goals and impact

  3. Publications

  4. Extracurricular/leadership activities

  5. Conference goals & impact on career

  6. Overall score

Please note that while the application system may show an optional advisor’s letter of support, any letters submitted will not be considered in application evaluation.

Apply here

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application timeline?

Open: September 1, 2024
Close: January 10, 2025
Recipient notification: Early Feb 2025
APS 2025 Global Physics Summit: March 16-21, 2025

Who can I contact for questions/concerns?

FGSA Chair Ari Jain: ajain431@gatech.edu

Can I apply for the awards more than once?
Yes, but it is highly unlikely that you will receive the award more than once. 

Can I apply for more than one award in a single application cycle?
Yes, but it is highly unlikely that you will receive more than one. 

What can the award be used for?
The award can be used for all reasonable travel expenses associated with attending the designated meeting for which the award is applied. This includes meeting registration, economy airfare, ground transportation, lodging, meals, etc. Personal expenses such as laundry, insurance, valet, or other conveniences are not allowable charges.

How is the award distributed?
The award is distributed as a reimbursement after the conclusion of the Meeting. Awardees will be required to submit an Expense Report that is approved by FGSA and APS.

Does the FGSA provide feedback on individual applications?
The FGSA cannot provide feedback on individual applications due to the large number of applicants. 

Am I still eligible to apply if the conference I'm planning on attending is after I graduate?
As long as the applicant is a graduate student at the time of application, they are eligible. Students who have not started their graduate program but will be a graduate student during the award period are welcome to apply. 

What can I do if I find an error in my application after it is submitted?
Please reach out to honors@aps.org to assist in correcting an application.

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.