Comstock Prize in Physics
Overview
The Comstock Prize in Physics is a prestigious award given by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for innovative discoveries or investigations in the field of physics. It was established in 1913 by a gift from Cyrus B. Comstock, a member of the Academy. The prize is awarded every five years and carries a cash award of $20,000.
History
The Comstock Prize in Physics was established in 1913 through a bequest from Cyrus B. Comstock, a distinguished engineer and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. The bequest stipulated that the income from the fund should be used to award a prize every five years for the most innovative discovery or investigation in physics. The first award was given in 1914.
Award Process
The Comstock Prize in Physics is awarded by the National Academy of Sciences, a private, non-profit institution that provides scientific advice to the nation. The award process begins with nominations, which are solicited from members of the Academy. The nominations are then reviewed by the Comstock Prize Committee, which is composed of distinguished physicists. The committee evaluates the nominees based on the originality and significance of their contributions to the field of physics. The final decision is made by the Council of the National Academy of Sciences.
Notable Recipients
Over the years, the Comstock Prize in Physics has been awarded to many notable physicists. Some of these include:
- Robert H. Dicke: Awarded the prize in 1966 for his contributions to the field of astrophysics, including the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation.
- John N. Bahcall: Received the prize in 1998 for his pioneering work in neutrino astrophysics.
- Saul Perlmutter and Brian P. Schmidt: Shared the prize in 2006 for their discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe.
- Charles L. Bennett: Awarded the prize in 2012 for his leadership in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) that has led to detailed maps of the early universe.
Impact
The Comstock Prize in Physics has had a significant impact on the field of physics. It has recognized and rewarded groundbreaking research and discoveries that have advanced our understanding of the universe. The prize has also played a crucial role in promoting physics as a discipline and inspiring young scientists to pursue careers in this field.
See Also
- National Academy of Sciences - List of physics awards - Robert H. Dicke - John N. Bahcall - Saul Perlmutter - Brian P. Schmidt - Charles L. Bennett