ESPD – European Physical Society

European Solar Physics Division

The ESPD is a division of the European Physical Society that represents and provides a forum for scientists interested in the physics of the Sun.

The ESPD Patricia Edwin PhD Thesis Prize

For the best European PhD thesis in solar physics.

Overview

The prize consists of a certificate.

Eligibility

To qualify for this prize, the viva or public defence of the nominee must have taken place the calendar year before the award of the prize: e.g. applicants with defence/viva between 01/01/2024 and 31/12/2024 are eligible for the 2025 round of the ESPD PhD Thesis prize.
The PhD degree should have been awarded by a European Institute and the majority of the work carried out in Europe. European countries are defined as the countries having a national society being a member society of the EPS.

Nomination Process

Nomination letter from a research advisor (or equivalent collaborator) outlining the impact of the nominee’s research on the broad field of solar physics (up to 2 pages).
CV of the nominee (up to 2 pages).
Bibliographic record directly related to the nominee’s PhD research work (refereed published papers, proceedings, oral contributions, …).
Extended summary of the thesis that explains major findings, significance and impact on the area of solar physics (2 pages maximum).
Two letters of support from scientists familiar with the PhD research (e.g. members of the thesis committee or collaborators, up to 2 pages each).
URL where the thesis can be downloaded without any restrictions.

Applications which are exceeding the page limits or are incomplete will be disqualified. The above documents should be combined into a single PDF file (file size <2 Mb) and submitted through the ESPD prizes nomination form. In order to access the form, a Google account is needed. In case a Google account is not available, please send the nomination package to sophie.masson@lpp.polytechnique.fr

Key Dates

Upcoming deadline for the nomination is March 4, 2025.

The ESPD Giancarlo Noci Early Career Researcher Prize

For a young researcher whose PhD degree was awarded after 01/01/2021 (with possible extension).

Overview

The prize consists of a certificate.

Eligibility

To qualify for this prize, the viva or public defence (or date of award of the PhD when no thesis defence was held) of the nominee must have taken place no more than 4 calendar years before the award of the prize: e.g. applicants with defense/viva between 01/01/2021 and 31/12/2024 are eligible to apply for the 2025 round, if no further justification of an extension is provided.
As long as the 4 years period is respected, there is no limit on the number of applications, i.e. an applicant is allowed to send an application in successive years.
At the moment of the nomination, the applicant should not have a permanent position.
Although the primary criterion for awarding the prize is scientific excellence, candidacy with a clearer connection with institutes located in Europe (as defined by the EPS members) will be an advantage, in the case of equal level of scientific merit.

Nomination Process

Nomination letter from the supervisor/grant holder outlining the impact of the nominee’s research on the broad field of solar physics (up to 2 pages each).
CV of the nominee (up to 2 pages).
Bibliographic record of the nominee (refereed published papers, proceedings, oral contributions, …).
Two letters of support from scientists familiar with the research (e.g., a collaborator, former PhD supervisor, or co-supervisor, up to 2 pages each).
The summary of the research work during the last 4 years explaining major findings, significance and impact on the area of solar physics (2 pages maximum).
If applicable, a letter outlining circumstances in case of the deadline extension.

Key Dates

Upcoming deadline for nominations will be March 4, 2025.

The ESPD Kees Zwaan Inspirational Community Prize

For recognizing researchers/technicians/organizations/groups whose contribution goes beyond scientific research in the field of Solar Physics.

Overview

The prize consists of a certificate.

Eligibility

An individual who has overcome a disadvantage (social, economic, educational, etc.) to make an important contribution to Solar Physics and his/her example has inspired others.
An individual/organisation/group that has enabled advances in research and/or study in Solar Physics to benefit the general public/community at large.
An individual/organisation/group that, through teaching, development of instruments and other Solar Physics applications, facilitated or encouraged under-represented and/or under-privileged groups to engage with and exploit advances in Solar Physics.

Nomination Process

Nomination letter outlining the engagement and impact of the nominee’s contribution, within the activities described above, in the field of solar physics (up to 2 pages).
Nominee’s CV (6 page max).
Two letters of support from scientists familiar with the nominee’s activity (up to 2 pages each).
Bibliographic record of the Nominee (papers, books, booklets with outreach material, if applicable).

Key Dates

Upcoming deadline for the nomination is March 4, 2025.

The ESPD Zdenek Švestka Senior Prize

Awarded every three years to a distinguished senior solar scientist for a life-long prolific career or scholarship in the field of solar physics.

Overview

The prize consists of a certificate.

Eligibility

Nominee must be a distinguished senior solar scientist.

Nomination Process

Nomination letter outlining the impact of the nominee’s research on the broad field of solar physics (up to 2 pages).
Nominee’s CV (6 page max).
Nominee’s bibliography (refereed published papers, books).
Three letters of support from scientists familiar with the research (up to 2 pages each).

Applications which are exceeding the page limits or are incomplete will be disqualified. The above documents should be combined into a single PDF file (file size <2 Mb) and submitted through the ESPD prizes nomination form. In order to access the form, a Google account is needed. In case a Google account is not available, please send the nomination package to sophie.masson@lpp.polytechnique.fr

Key Dates

Call for nominations is currently closed.

European Solar Physics Division

For the best European PhD thesis in solar physics.

For a young researcher whose PhD degree was awarded after 01/01/2021 (with possible extension).

For recognizing researchers/technicians/organizations/groups whose contribution goes beyond scientific research in the field of Solar Physics.

Awarded every three years to a distinguished senior solar scientist for a life-long prolific career or scholarship in the field of solar physics.

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