Honors

Prizes & Awards

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 for domestic students or $1,000 for international students. The designation of domestic/international is based on the location of your institution, not your origin of travel.

Eligibility: This award is open to all students who are members of APS and FGSA, and are presenting during the 2026 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

Apply here

Application Deadline: November 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time

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 are especially encouraged. This award may be awarded to any student member of APS that is also a member of the Forum of Graduate Student Affairs (FGSA)

Award Allocation: Up to $500 for domestic students or $1,000 for 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 2026 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 promoting inclusion, opportunity and access within APS/physics

  6. Overall score

Apply here

Application Deadline: November 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time

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 for domestic students or $1,000 for 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 2026 Global Physics Summit. We encourage students of all stages to apply. This must be the first GPS students are attending in order to be eligible. Attending other unit specific or regional APS meetings does not disqualify you from this award. 

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

Apply here

Application Deadline: November 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2025-2026 application cycle timeline?

Open: Late October 2025
Close: November 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time
Recipient notification: Late December 2025
APS 2026 Global Physics Summit: March 15-20, 2026

Who can I contact for questions/concerns?

For eligibility clarification: FGSA Chair, William Munizzi

For application support: APS Honors Team

Can I apply for the award 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 in a given cycle.

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 Summit. 

Awardees will be required to submit an Expense Report that is approved by FGSA and APS, as well as their banking and tax information.

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.

Guided by our core values, APS encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professionals across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.