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) years.

Nominations must be submitted by February 28, by at least one sponsor and should include the following:

  1. The completed online nomination form available on the web site, and a supporting letter from the nominator.
  2. A curriculum vitae for the nominee of 20 pages maximum, including a list of publications and a list of awards, grants, and other evidence of exceptional impact on the field. It need not contain routine information on service on university committees and other similar commitments.
  3. A short summary (one page or less) of the candidate’s major contributions to mathematical physics.
  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 short description of the significance and impact of up to five (5) important papers, in a format similar to that in the NSERC Form 100.
  6. A citation of 300 words or less suitable for public dissemination if the nominee is selected as the medal recipient (submitted in plain text format, cut and pasted into the online nomination form).
  7. A photograph of the nominee. (This can be a low resolution photograph, which may be retrievable from the nominee’s worksite. The nominee will be asked for a high resolution photo if selected as medal recipient). Please note that this is not required in order to complete the file but will speed up the announcement of the medal winner.

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.