Mildred Dresselhaus Award

Mildred Dresselhaus Award is a prestigious early-career prize presented by the American Physical Society to recognize exceptional contributions to materials research. Established in 2019, it honors the legacy of physicist Mildred Dresselhaus, a pioneer in carbon nanotube and nanoscience research. The award is intended to support and highlight the work of promising scientists at a critical stage in their professional development.

History and establishment

The award was formally established by the American Physical Society in 2019, following a major philanthropic gift from the husband-and-wife team of Google co-founder Sergey Brin and former 23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki. This endowment was created specifically to honor the scientific legacy of Mildred Dresselhaus, who was a mentor to Anne Wojcicki during her undergraduate studies at Yale University. Dresselhaus, often called the "Queen of Carbon," made transformative contributions to the understanding of graphite, fullerenes, and graphene, and her career was marked by a deep commitment to mentoring young scientists, particularly women in physics and engineering. The creation of this award aligned with ongoing efforts by organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy to bolster early-career recognition in the STEM fields.

Award criteria and nomination process

The award is conferred annually to one early-career researcher who has performed outstanding work in the field of materials research, broadly defined. Eligibility is restricted to individuals within ten years of receiving their Ph.D. or equivalent degree, with allowances for career interruptions. Nominations are submitted through the American Physical Society's centralized portal and require a detailed letter of recommendation, a curriculum vitae highlighting the nominee's publications, and a list of their most significant contributions. The final selection is made by a committee of experts appointed by the APS Division of Materials Physics, who evaluate candidates based on the originality, impact, and promise of their research. The process is designed to identify individuals whose work, like that of Mildred Dresselhaus, shows potential for long-term influence in the scientific community.

Recipients

The inaugural recipient in 2020 was Judy J. Cha, a professor at Yale University, recognized for her pioneering experiments on the electronic and quantum transport properties of topological materials and nanowires. Subsequent awardees have included researchers from prestigious institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Their work has spanned cutting-edge areas like quantum computing, two-dimensional materials, spintronics, and energy storage, reflecting the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of modern materials science. The list of recipients showcases the global talent in the field, with honorees often having conducted research at facilities like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory or Argonne National Laboratory.

Significance and impact

The award carries significant prestige within the global materials science community, serving as a major career accelerator for its recipients. It provides not only a monetary prize but also high-profile recognition at the annual March Meeting of the American Physical Society, where the award lecture is delivered. By spotlighting early-career achievements, the award aims to foster innovation and encourage risk-taking in research directions that may lead to breakthroughs akin to those of Mildred Dresselhaus. It also plays a symbolic role in promoting diversity in the physical sciences, honoring Dresselhaus's own advocacy for women in science. The visibility associated with the award often leads to further opportunities, including invitations to speak at conferences like the Materials Research Society Spring Meeting and enhanced prospects for grants from agencies like the Office of Naval Research.

Administration and funding

The award is administered entirely by the American Physical Society, specifically through its APS Division of Materials Physics. The prize fund is sustained by the original endowment from Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki, which is managed by the American Physical Society's investment portfolio. The annual prize amount is determined by the APS Council based on the endowment's performance. Operational aspects, including the call for nominations, committee formation, and the award ceremony at the March Meeting, are handled by the professional staff at the American Physical Society headquarters in College Park, Maryland. This structure ensures the award's longevity and adherence to the philanthropic vision of its founders and the scientific standards of the society.

Category:American Physical Society awards Category:Materials science awards Category:Awards established in 2019