GDS Outstanding Dissertation Award

GDS Outstanding Dissertation Award

GDS is pleased to offer up to two dissertation awards at the APS Global Physics Summit to encourage and celebrate students working at the nexus of data science and physics. 

These awards will recognize students who have conducted outstanding research leading to their dissertation and will consist of:

• An invited talk in an appropriate session at the Global Physics Summit

• A $500 prize to the student, and 

• Up to $250 toward travel expenses to the Global Physics Summit

Nominations may be submitted here. Please see this walkthrough for how to access the nomination form. 

Eligibility

The nominated student must:

• Have graduated with a PhD within 18 months of the deadline

• Have never been nominated for this award before

• Both the student and the advisor must be current members of GDS.

Self-nominations are not currently accepted for this award.

Nomination and Selection Process

Nominations must be received by October 19, 2025 to be considered.

Nominations should consist of: 

1. A nominating letter

2. An extended abstract on the research (maximum of 3 pages, including figures and references)

3. The student’s CV and publication list,

4. The dissertation in its entirety 

5. Contact information for the student

The nominating letter must address the following areas:

• Quality and independence of the student’s work.

• Student’s ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a broad audience.

• Year the student began graduate school.

• Assessment of the student’s ability to conduct independent research.

• Student’s completion date (must be after February 15, 2023, but before August 15, 2024, to be eligible for the 2025 APS March Meeting award).

These nomination documents must be submitted by a faculty member with direct knowledge of the student’s work.

Nominations will be reviewed by the GDS Outstanding Dissertation GDS Award Selection Committee after the nomination window has closed. Nominees will be alerted of their application status by the beginning of December 2025. 

Submit your nomination now!

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.