American Institute of Physics

Compton Medal for Leadership in Physics

About the Medal

The Karl Taylor Compton Medal recognizes distinguished physicists for outstanding statesmanship in science. The award established in 1957 by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) in honor of Karl Taylor Compton, first chairman and one of the principal founders of AIP, for his tireless work as a combination scientist-statesman and statesman-scientist. Intended primarily for U.S. physicists, the award is now given biennially on even-numbered years, or when it appears appropriate. It consists of a medal, a certificate, and a cash award of $10,000. The award is supported by a restricted/endowed fund.

Criteria

The recipient is chosen by the Institute's Board of Directors on the recommendation of a committee appointed for the purpose. Examples of notable statesmanship in science could include:

  • advancing the public understanding of science,
  • inspirational teaching and mentoring,
  • promoting peace and seeking solutions to world problems,
  • leadership of scientific institutions,
  • advocacy and policy development in support of science, and
  • efforts to increase diversity, advance gender and racial equality in the physical sciences.

A citation on the accompanying certificate will state the particular service for which the award is made. The medalist is expected to receive the award in person. Travel expense is reimbursed by the Institute.

To Apply

Nominations are to be submitted in PDF format via email to lcaron@aip.org ; include ALL information/attachments in one email:

  • Letter of nomination
  • Two letters supporting the nomination
  • Curriculum vitae of the nominee
  • Proposed citation for the award

Self-nominations are permitted, and we encourage nominations of women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and scientists from outside the United States.

Contact
Liz Dart Caron

Chief of Staff

lcaron@aip.org

(301) 209-3034

Compton Medal for Leadership in Physics Recipients

AIP
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Press Release
Top prize for leadership in physics to be awarded to Stanford professor, Nobel laureate, and former Secretary of Energy for outstanding impact on our nation’s physical sciences enterprise.
AIP
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Top prize for leadership in physics to be given to Cornell professor for establishing the first online, open access paper repository system
AIP
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Top prize for leadership in physics to be given next year to SLAC professor for groundbreaking work in the field of particle physics and major contributions to K-12 education standards
AIP
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Press Release
In recognition of his leadership and service to the physics community and to science; for serving as a model “civic scientist"; for his advocacy of public understanding of science and technology; and for his championship of scientific research and education.
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In recognition of his inspirational leadership in the teaching of physics.
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In recognition of her outstanding contributions to condensed matter physics, and to the science and engineering community through dedicated and effective service in numerous leadership positions.
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In recognition of his leadership throughout the world in advancing science, in promoting peace, and seeking solutions to world problems.
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In recognition of his manifold contributions to the science of physics and his outstanding example of statesmanship and leadership of major institutions of physics for over four decades.
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Spotlight
In recognition of her distinguished service to physics
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For fifty years of creative leadership in physics as a researcher, teacher, author, and editor.
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Spotlight
For his many accomplishments, his keen perception, strong leadership, and devotion to the cause of science and society as a whole he has, indeed, earned distinction as a statesman of science.
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Spotlight
For his many accomplishments, his keen perception, strong leadership, and devotion to the cause of science and society as a whole he has, indeed, earned distinction as a statesman of science.
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Spotlight
In recognition of his contributions to the science of physics and his leadership in the evolution of policy determining the growth and support of science in the United States.
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Spotlight
In recognition of his eminent statesmanship in the organization of American physics and his service over a period of twenty-six years as the first Director of the American Institute of Physics.
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For his dignified mastery of decorum and his warmth of personality which have made him a figure in American physics never to be forgotten by the countless numbers of his colleagues who have had the privilege of knowing him.
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Spotlight
In recognition of his statesmanship in the field of physics.