Weyl Prize Recognises Nicole Yunger Halpern

The Weyl Prize recognizes young scientists who have made significant contributions to physics through symmetries. Eligible candidates are 35 or younger or within five years of receiving their doctoral degree. The award includes a certificate, prize money, and an allowance for attendance at the International Group Theory Colloquium. Nicole Yunger Halpern will receive the Weyl Prize in 2024.

The Weyl Prize: Recognizing Young Scientists in the Field of Symmetry Physics

The Weyl Prize is an esteemed award that acknowledges the contributions of young scientists who have made significant strides in physics, particularly in understanding the subject through symmetries. The award is named after Hermann Weyl, a renowned mathematician and theoretical physicist, and it aims to encourage and recognize original work of substantial scientific quality.

The recipients of the Weyl Prize have made significant contributions in one or more of the following areas: group theory, the development of new mathematical tools for the description of physical phenomena, the interpretation of experimental results, and the formulation of general laws based on symmetries.

Eligibility Criteria for the Weyl Prize

To be considered for the Weyl Prize, candidates must be 35 years of age or younger or within five years of receiving their doctoral degree at the time of the application deadline. However, there are provisions for extensions in certain circumstances.

For instance, in the event of maternity, the upper age limit is typically extended by 18 months for each child. For other parental, adoption, compassionate or extended sick leave, the upper limit is extended to match the documented time spent on leave, with the maximum extension allowing for eligibility up to the age of 38 years.

Nomination Process for the Weyl Prize

Candidates for the Weyl Prize are nominated by or through members of the Standing Committee. Depending on the eligibility criterion used by the candidate, the nomination process requires several documents, including a valid identification document indicating the nominee’s age or a copy of the Ph.D. diploma.

If an age limit extension is being sought, the appropriate documents must be provided. Other required documents include a copy of the nominee’s Ph.D. thesis, publications, reports, and a summary of their work not exceeding four pages. A brief curriculum vitae of the nominee is also required, along with a letter from the nominating scientist introducing the nominee and explaining the nomination. The nomination must be seconded by at least two letters, which cannot be from members of the Selection Committee.

The Weyl Prize Selection Committee and Prize Details

The Weyl Prize Selection Committee, consisting of five members, is elected by the Standing Committee and is responsible for deciding the recipient of the prize. The Weyl Prize includes a certificate acknowledging the recipient’s accomplishments, a cash award, and an allowance towards attendance at the bi-annual International Group Theory Colloquium where the award is presented.

Recent Awardees of the Weyl Prize

The most recent recipient of the Weyl Prize, in 2024, was Nicole Yunger Halpern. The award serves as a testament to her significant contributions to the field of physics, particularly in understanding the subject through symmetries. The Weyl Prize continues to inspire young scientists to push the boundaries of knowledge and make significant contributions to the field of physics.