Charles Haenny Prize for Physics

The Institute of Physics of EPFL and the Société Académique Vaudoise (SAV) are pleased to announce the revival of the Charles Haenny Prize for Physics after an interruption of nearly twenty years.

The prize distinguishes a young physicist for research performed in Switzerland in any field of physics. The nominated work should be of excellent scientific quality and internationally competitive, while also respectful of humanity and its environment. In the spirit of Prof. Charles Haenny’s will, the prize aims to distinguish research based on an ethic of international collaboration or seeking to inhibit the use of physical knowledge for malicious goals.

The prize consists of an award of CHF 5’000 to be presented during a dedicated award ceremony.

The full prize rules can be found here.

Call for the 2025 Prize

Nominations are now open of the 2025 Charles Haenny Prize for Physics.

Nomination deadline: 17 March 2025

Eligibility:

  • Maximum 8 years after obtaining PhD: defined as the time between the (oral) defence or the official acceptance of the first PhD thesis and the application deadline. The window of eligibility may be extended for valid and proven breaks in academic activity (to be specified in the application).
  • Research in any domain of physics conducted while affiliated at a Swiss institution. The work does not need to be performed in a physics department but needs to involve a strong physics component.
  • Restrictions: In accordance with the will of Prof. Charles Haenny, any research related to the extension of nuclear power plants or the use of nuclear energy for military goals is explicitly excluded.
  • Self-nominations are accepted.

The award committee is aiming at a diverse pool of candidates and encourages women and members of other under-represented groups to apply.

Requested submission documents:

Nominations should be submitted electronically at https://programs-recruiting.epfl.ch/position/37453829 and include the following documents (in pdf format):

  • Maximum two-page description of research with a specific focus on the selection criteria mentioned in the prize description, including reference to relevant publications.
  • Curriculum vitae with date of PhD clearly indicated.
  • Support letter stressing relevant achievements. This can be from any stakeholder and not necessarily the direct supervisor.

Selection criteria:

  • Scientific quality and originality
  • Importance to benefit of humanity and its environment
  • Importance of international collaboration and benefit to Switzerland and its place in the international community

Timeline:

  • Application deadline: 17 March 2025
  • The announcement of the selected awardee is planned around May 2025.
  • The award ceremony will take place in September 2025.

The next edition of the prize will be in 2026 and on every following even years.

Contact:

For further information, please contact the Chair of the selection committee:

        Prof. Hugo Dil: [email protected]