The American Physical Society (APS) recognizes the transformative potential of attending APS meetings for outstanding young researchers.
Since 2015, APS and the Forum on International Physics (FIP) have partnered to establish the Distinguished Student Program (DS), providing financial support for distinguished non-U.S. young researchers to attend the APS Joint March Meeting and April Meeting: Global Physics Summit 2025.
In 2025, the Forum of Early Career Scientists (FECS) will once again partner with the DS program to offer postdoctoral awards, further expanding opportunities for early-career researchers.
A special selection will be made for the Excellence in Physics DS Prize in 2025 to further celebrate exceptional young talent.
In 2025, the Distinguished Student Program will include the Esther Hoffman Beller Distinguished Student Travel Award and the Robert E. Marshak Distinguished Student Travel Award.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Citizenship: Non-U.S. citizens.
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Academic Status: Postdoctoral researchers, Ph.D., or Master’s students, enrolled in institutions within or outside the U.S.
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Participation: Submission of an accepted abstract to the Global Physics Summit 2025.
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Membership: Active APS and FIP members.
Not an APS member? Learn how to join the APS.
Ph.D. and Master’s students may be eligible for a free one-year trial APS Student Membership. After joining APS (or if you are already an APS member), FIP membership is free.
Grant Amounts
For In-Person participation
The DS travel award will reimburse the following costs related to travel, lodging, and registration fees for attending the Global Physics Summit 2025 in person:
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Up to $2,000 for young researchers enrolled in developing countries
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Up to $700 for young researchers enrolled outside the U.S. (excluding developing countries).
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Up to $500 for young researchers enrolled in the U.S.
For Virtual participation
The DS award will cover registration fees for attending the virtual Global Physics Summit 2025.
Excellence in Physics DS Prize 2025 (only for in-person participation)
To further celebrate exceptional talent, the Excellence in Physics Distinguished Student Grant (Excellence DS Prize) will be awarded in 2025. This prestigious honor is designed to recognize up to 4 outstanding young researchers enrolled outside the U.S. participating at the Global Physics Summit who have demonstrated extraordinary academic achievements and research potential.
Prize Coverage:
The Excellence DS Prize will provide full financial support, including registration fees, travel expenses, and accommodation costs for attending the Global Physics Summit 2025.
Application Requirements
To apply, submit the following documents:
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A Curriculum Vitae (CV).
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A motivation letter (maximum 1 page).
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At least one reference letter.
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The abstract submitted to the Global Physics Summit 2025.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by January 27, 2025.
Apply here
For inquiries, contact the DS Program Chair:
Maria Longobardi at marialongobardi@gmail.com
Please note:
Incomplete applications or those from individuals who received a DS award in the past five years will not be considered, except in extraordinary circumstances, which may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The DS awards and Excellence Prize will be communicated to the recipients in February 2025.
The travel awards will be reimbursed after the completion of the meeting. Recipients will receive instructions from the APS Honors Team for how to receive their reimbursement.
APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.