European Physical Society plasma physics announces new innovation prize

Research in Plasma Physics has multiple and rich outcomes with direct and/or indirect applications. These applications, which are sometimes inconspicuous and even unknown to the layman, can have significant impacts on daily human life as well as on economic activity. Surprisingly, some of the impacts seem far from the basic Plasma Physics research which gave birth to these key original ideas, but nonetheless represent exemplary innovative strategies. Today, applications of Plasma Physics flourish in vastly different domains, such as radioactive waste transmutation, medicine, isotope separation processes (with fundamental applications to cancer therapy), infection treatment, material processing, torch cutting and welding, flat TV screens, lighting systems, thrusters, as well as countless other medical, industrial and engineering applications. Within the general framework of the relationship between “Science and Society”, there is a strong effort on communication between research and public domains in many countries.

The European Physical Society is keenly aware of these important applications. As a dual gesture of stimulation and recognition, a new annual prize has been created by the Plasma Physics Division of the European Physical Society. This prize targets research which has demonstrably led to robust innovative applications or important effects on society. Nominations in any fields are encouraged.”

Establishment and Support

The prize is established in 2008 and supported by the Plasma Physics Division of the European Physics Society. The Prize is given once a year and consists of 1500 euros and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient.

Rules and eligibility :

Nominees need not now be working on the topics. Any work developped within the five last years (defined with respect to the concerned submission year) may be submitted. The recognized contribution may be a product, a process or a tool enabling practical application issued directly from plasma physics fields. Nominees need not to be EPS members. Nominees candidatures are submitted by nominators as detailed below. Self nominations are also encouraged. There is no restriction in terms of geography and/or nationality.

Nominations and selection ProcessA broad spectrum of nominations and in particular from smaller companies/institutions/National and/or Universities laboratories as well as larger ones is encouraged. To complete the nomination, you (the nominator) are asked to provide the following documents : 1. The references of the nominee (Name, firstname, full professional address, email address, phone and fax numbers).

2. The topical group (within the Plasma Physics division) best qualified to assess the nomination.

3. A suggested citation (maximum 250 characters).

4. A supporting summary describing the significance of the nominee’s work (this description is limited to 2 pages).

5. Nominee’s principal publications (at most 10).

6. Nominee’s other contributions (main invited talks, patents, professional service, etc.).

7. Nominee’s academic background.

8. Nominee’s employment background.

9. Nominee’s professional honors.

10. Your name, full address and email address.

11. Your letter of support. (maximum 1 page) 12. Additional letters of support (at most 2 beyond yours); maximum 1 page each.

These materials are due by April 30th 2008. The committee will then recommend one of the finalists to the EPS Executive Board, and the recipient of the Prize will be announced after the Board has approved the recommendation, by May 18th 2008.

The Prize will be presented during the forthcoming EPS meeting to be held in Hersonissos (Crete, Greece, 9-13 June 2008). Finalist nominations will remain active through three prize cycles.

Important deadlines :

Announcement March 23rd, 2008 Applications April 30th, 2008 Decision May 18th, 2008

Submission:

All proposals can be sent to : bertrand.lembege@cetp.ispl.frContacts: Bertrand Lembege, Jorg Winter, Holger Kernsten and Jo Lister.