2026 research awards
Physics Prize
The b54 Physics Prize honors original thesis-based research in theoretical or experimental physics.
- Quantum mechanics
- Condensed matter
- Astrophysics
- Fluid dynamics
$1,500Undergraduate
$2,500Postgraduate
Your submission
Submission guidelines.
Submit original thesis or research paper in PDF format
Maximum 50 pages including references and appendices
Must include abstract, methodology, and results sections
Work must be completed within the last 2 academic years
Co-authored work is accepted; applicant must be the primary contributor
All submissions must be in English
Who should apply
Undergraduate and postgraduate students who have completed a thesis or research paper in any branch of physics should apply.
Read more: Who should apply
Your work might involve particle physics, optics, thermodynamics, materials science, geophysics, or any other subfield. Whether your approach is computational, analytical, or laboratory-based, we are looking for research that demonstrates strong physical reasoning and contributes to the broader scientific conversation.
What stands out
The strongest submissions show a deep understanding of the physical system under study, employ sound methodology, and present results with appropriate uncertainty analysis.
Read more: What stands out
Judges value work that is reproducible, well-documented, and clearly situated within the context of existing research. Papers that combine theoretical insight with experimental validation, or that tackle problems with real-world relevance, tend to score highly.
About the prize
From quantum mechanics and condensed matter to astrophysics and fluid dynamics, this prize recognizes work that deepens our understanding of the physical world through careful observation, modeling, and analysis.
Submissions may be theoretical — proposing new models, deriving predictions, or extending established frameworks — or experimental, demonstrating careful design, data collection, and interpretation. We value research that bridges theory and experiment, using one to inform and strengthen the other.
Physics research from the African continent is making increasingly important contributions to global science. This prize is designed to spotlight that work, reward methodological excellence, and encourage the next generation of physicists to pursue ambitious questions.
The published criteria
Judging criteria.
Soundness of theoretical framework or experimental methodology
Quality of data analysis, uncertainty quantification, and reproducibility
Originality of the research question and approach taken
Clarity of presentation and quality of figures and data visualization
Potential impact on the field or real-world applications
Review & recognition
The 2026 prize cycle.
1 December 2026
Submissions close
December – January
Expert review
By February 2027
Shortlist notified
March 2027
Winners announced
Review process
Submissions close December 1, 2026. Expert panels review all entries during December and January. Shortlisted candidates are notified by February 2027. Winners are announced in March 2027 at a ceremony.
- Send your original thesis or research before the deadline.
- Independent panels assess entries against each field’s published criteria.
- Shortlisted candidates are contacted for verification.
- Winners are announced at a ceremony after verification.
Every submission receives written feedback from the panel.
Award details
Winners receive the prize amount ($1,500 undergraduate / $2,500 postgraduate), an official b54 certificate, a featured profile on the b54 website, and an invitation to present their work. Winners are also connected with mentors in their field.
Applying is free. Results remain provisional until verification is complete. You keep ownership of your research.
How the award reaches you- an official b54 certificate
- a featured profile on the b54 website
- an invitation to present their work
- Winners are also connected with mentors in their field.
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