Nicole Yunger Halpern, a theoretical physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and a fellow at the University of Maryland, has won the 2023 Mary Somerville Medal and Prize from the Institute of Physics (IOP). The award recognizes early career scientists who engage the public in physics. Yunger Halpern was commended for her 2022 book, “Quantum Steampunk: The Physics of Yesterday’s Tomorrow,” which creatively presents quantum thermodynamics as steampunk. Her work, which includes writing and art, has been praised for bridging physics and art and engaging those who don’t typically engage with science.
Recognition for Innovative Physics Writing
Nicole Yunger Halpern, a theoretical physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, has been awarded the 2023 Mary Somerville Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics (IOP). This award is given annually to early career scientists who successfully engage the public in physics and related scientific topics. Yunger Halpern was specifically recognised for her 2022 book, “Quantum Steampunk: The Physics of Yesterday’s Tomorrow,” which the IOP praised for its innovative approach to explaining quantum thermodynamics.
The award, named after the renowned Scottish scientist and author Mary Somerville, includes a medal and a £1,000 ($1,220 USD) prize. IOP President Sir Keith Burnett expressed hope that the award winners’ stories would inspire future generations of scientists.
Quantum Steampunk: Bridging Physics and Art
Yunger Halpern’s book, “Quantum Steampunk: The Physics of Yesterday’s Tomorrow,” has been lauded for its unique approach to explaining quantum thermodynamics. The book uses the steampunk genre, which typically features Victorian-era settings combined with futuristic technologies, to make complex scientific concepts more accessible to the public.
This approach has been praised as highly original, successfully bridging the gap between physics and art. It has also been successful in engaging individuals who do not typically engage with science. The book has been highlighted as a top science book of 2022 by New Scientist and Physics Today, and has been translated into two other languages.
Outreach and Engagement in Quantum Physics
In addition to her book, Yunger Halpern has launched a quantum steampunk short-story competition as part of her outreach efforts. The competition attracted 167 entrants from 29 countries, ranging from 13-year-olds to professional writers unfamiliar with quantum physics. She is also collaborating with a steampunk artist on an educational interactive sculpture that depicts a quantum engine alongside its Victorian counterpart.
At the University of Maryland, Yunger Halpern holds multiple roles. She is a Fellow in the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS), a senior investigator in the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation, an adjunct faculty member in the Institute for Physical Science & Technology, and a co-founder of the Maryland Quantum Thermodynamics Hub.
Blogging and Media Contributions
Yunger Halpern is also known for her monthly blog posts on the Quantum Frontiers site at Caltech. Her posts, which blend physics with literature, architecture, and history, have been recognised by Physics World, Nature Briefing, and other outlets. These posts have led to articles written by Yunger Halpern for New Scientist, Literary Hub, and other mainstream-media publications, often accompanied by steampunk artwork.
“There is so much focus today on the opportunities generated by a career in physics, and the potential that our scientific discipline has to transform our society and economy. I hope the stories of our winners will help to inspire future generations of scientists.”
-IOP President Sir Keith Burnett
Summary
Theoretical physicist Nicole Yunger Halpern, based at the University of Maryland, has been awarded the 2023 Mary Somerville Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics for her innovative work in engaging the public with physics and quantum thermodynamics. Her book, ‘Quantum Steampunk: The Physics of Yesterday’s Tomorrow’, has been particularly noted for its unique approach of combining Victorian physics with the steampunk genre, thereby making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to a wider audience.
- Nicole Yunger Halpern, a theoretical physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, has been awarded the 2023 Mary Somerville Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics (IOP).
- The award recognises early career scientists who engage the public in physics and related scientific topics.
- Yunger Halpern was recognised for her 2022 book, “Quantum Steampunk: The Physics of Yesterday’s Tomorrow,” which the IOP said brought Victorian physics to life for the public by presenting quantum thermodynamics in a steampunk context.
- At the University of Maryland, Yunger Halpern is a Fellow in the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science, a senior investigator in the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation, and a co-founder of the Maryland Quantum Thermodynamics Hub.
- Her work, which includes writing and artwork, bridges physics and art, and has been praised for engaging those who do not typically engage with science.
- Yunger Halpern has also launched a quantum steampunk short-story competition and is collaborating with a steampunk artist on an educational interactive sculpture.
- She is also known for her decade-long contributions to the Quantum Frontiers blog at Caltech, where she combines physics with literature, architecture, and history.