The next deadline for nominations will be in winter 2028.
Please submit nominations through https://neutronscattering.org/nominations/.

 

Purpose

To recognize a sustained contribution to a scientific subfield, or subfields, using neutron scattering techniques, or a sustained contribution to the development of neutron scattering techniques. In either case, the primary consideration shall be an enduring impact on science. Preference shall be given to applicants whose work was carried out predominantly in North America.

Definition

The prize consists of $2,500, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient and a travel allowance to attend the corresponding NSSA sponsored American Conference on Neutron Scattering (ACNS) at which the prize is awarded. The recipient will have an invited talk at the corresponding ACNS.

Timing

The NSSA Sustained Research Prize is expected to be awarded biennially at the corresponding ACNS meeting.

Prize Selection Committee 2026

Chair:
Ram Seshadri – University of California, Santa Barbara

Committee
Jeff Lynn – NIST Center for Neutron Research
Martin Mourigal – Georgia Institute of Technology
John Katsaras – Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Don Brown – Los Alamos National Laboratory

Nominations

  • A letter of nomination, not to exceed 1000 words, defining the major scientific accomplishments that merit the award. The nomination should stress the impact on the science subfields that the group or researcher has made with their neutron scattering results.
  • The nominee’s CV clearly identifying the published work that relates to the award nomination. Do not include reprints unless they are not readily available electronically.
  • Up to two additional letters of support.

Submit the nomination package in PDF format through https://neutronscattering.org/nominations/

We strongly encourage nominations of candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those from non- majority races, religions, gender identifications, sexual orientations, ages, disability statuses, and other identifiers.

The award cannot be awarded posthumously.

Winners

 

2026: Dr. Ray Osborn

For seminal and sustained contributions to our understanding of strongly correlated materials and the development of novel techniques and advocacy of neutron scattering worldwide.

2024: Dr. Julie Borchers

For groundbreaking contributions to understanding the structure and behavior of magnetic nanostructures using neutron techniques, and for exceptional service to the scientific community

2022: Dr. John Katsaras

For seminal scientific contributions using neutron scattering techniques and
molecular dynamics simulations that have led to a profound understanding of
biomembrane structures and dynamics on the nanoscale.

2020: Prof. Timothy P. Lodge

For his pivotal contributions to the fundamental understanding of polymer structure, thermodynamics, and dynamics though the use of small angle neutron scattering.

2018: Prof. Norman Wagner

For his seminal and sustained contributions to our understanding of soft condensed matter physics using neutron scattering.

2016: Prof. Pengcheng Dai

For his sustained and foundational contributions which have elucidated the magnetic properties of iron-based superconductors, cuprates, and other correlated electron materials

2014: Dr. Jeffrey W. Lynn

For seminal studies of the colossal magneto-resistance effect and profound contributions to our understanding of the interplay of magnetism and superconductivity

2012: Dr. Gian Piero Felcher

For pioneering the development of neutron reflectometry and demonstrating its application to magnetic and polymer film systems

2010: Prof. Collin Broholm

For outstanding neutron scattering studies of correlated electron physics in magnets, metals and superconductors, and for science-driven development of neutron scattering techniques

2008: Prof. Frank Bates

For his pioneering SANS experiments that probe the structure and thermodynamics of polymeric fluids and block copolymers.

2006: Dr. John Tranquada

For his outstanding neutron scattering studies of the charge and spin ordering in the high Tc cuprates and related materials

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