CAP-CRM Prize

The Centre de recherches mathématiques (CRM) and the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) created in 1995 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the CAP, a joint prize in recognition of exceptional achievements in theoretical and mathematical physics.

The Canadian Association of Physicists, founded in 1945, is a professional association representing over 1600 individual physicists and physics students in Canada, the U.S. and overseas, as well as a number of Corporate and Institutional Members. In addition to its learned activities, the CAP also undertakes a number of activities intended to encourage students to pursue a career in physics.

The object of this award is to recognize research excellence in the fields of theoretical and mathematical physics. The award is not limited to CAP members but the candidates’ research should have been done in Canada or in affiliation with a Canadian university or industry. This medal was awarded for the first time at the 1995 CAP Annual Congress.

Eligibility, criteria and continuity

A selection committee established by the CAP Division of Theoretical Physics and the CRM has the mandate to choose the laureate of this prize on the basis of outstanding contributions to the advancement of the field. The main selection criterion is excellence in research.

The candidate’s research should have been carried primarily in Canada or in affiliation with a Canadian university or industry. Nominations are valid for three (3) nomination cycles.

Nominations must be submitted by January 15, 2024, by at least one sponsor and should include the following:

  1. The completed online nomination form available on CAP’s web site, and a supporting letter from the nominator.
  2. A curriculum vitae for the nominee of 20 pages maximum, including a list of awards, grants, and other evidence of significant impact on the field. Should the c.v. include a list of publications, the focus should be on the scientific content of the published papers, thereby strengthening the nomination by providing more than simply the publication metrics or the identity of the journals in which they are published.
  3. A short description (1500 words or less) of the significance and impact of the candidate’s significant contributions related to the work for which they are being nominated.
  4. Three letters from referees with recognized expertise in the candidate’s field. Letters should particularly address the quality, originality, and significance of the candidate’s work, as shown by citations and other such evidence of impact.
  5. A citation of 300 words or less, suitable for publication if the nominee is selected as the medal recipient, starting with a paragraph of 25-50 words explaining the reason why the candidate was selected which can be used in the CAP’s announcement of winners. Note: The citation must be submitted in plain text format using cut and paste into the online nomination form.

There will be at most one prize each year, to be awarded at the annual congress of the Canadian Association of Physicists. The laureate will be invited to give a lecture at the CAP annual congress. A commemorative medal and $3,000 will be given to the laureate at the CAP Congress.

To make a nomination, please make your submission according to the instructions found on this page.