History of Physics Essay Contest
Deadline: 30 September 2024
The Forum on the History and Philosophy of Physics (FHPP) of the American Physical Society is proud to hold an annual History of Physics Essay Contest. The contest aims to promote interest in the history of physics among those who are not, or not yet, professionally engaged in the field. Entries can address the work of individual physicists, teams of physicists, physics discoveries, or other appropriate topics. Entries may not exceed 2500 words, including notes and references. Entries should be both scholarly and generally accessible to scientists and historians.
The contest is intended for undergraduate and graduate students, but is open to anyone who does not hold a PhD in physics or history. Entries with multiple authors will not be accepted. Entries will be judged on originality, clarity, and potential to contribute to the field. Previously published work, or excerpts thereof, will not be accepted. The winning essay will be published as a “Back Page” in APS News and its author will receive a cash award of $1000 plus support for travel to an APS annual meeting to deliver a talk based on the essay. The judges may also designate one or more runners-up, with a cash award of $500 each.
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Entries will be judged by members of the FHPP Executive Committee and are due by 30 September 2024 at 11:59 pm US Eastern Time. They should be submitted, as Word documents or PDFs, via email to the FHPP Chair, Bruce J. Hunt, bjhunt@austin.utexas.edu, with “Essay Contest” in the subject line. Entrants should supply their names, institutional affiliations (if any), postal and email addresses, and phone numbers. Winners will be announced by 15 November 2024.
Past Essay Contest Winners