CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en">    <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="Description" id="Description" content="Richtmyer Memorial Lecture" /> <meta name="Keywords" id="Keywords" content="Richtmyer, award, nominate, communication, contributions, lecture, memorial, memorial lecture, AAPT, American, association, education, educators, physics, teachers, teaching" /> <meta name="Generator" id="Generator" content="CommonSpot Build 10.9.0.564" /> <title>Richtmyer Memorial Lecture</title> <style id="cs_antiClickjack">body{display:none !important;position:absolute !important;top:-5000px !important;}</style><script>(function(){var chk=0;try{if(self!==top){var ts=top.document.location.href.split('/');var ws=window.document.location.href.split('/');if(ts.length<3||ws.length<3)chk=1;else if(ts[2]!==ws[2])chk=2;else if(ts[0]!==ws[0])chk=3;}}catch(e){chk=4;}if(chk===0){var stb=document.getElementById("cs_antiClickjack");stb.parentNode.removeChild(stb);}else{top.location = self.location}})();</script> <script> var jsDlgLoader = '/Programs/awards/loader.cfm'; var jsSiteResourceLoader = '/cs-resources.cfm?r='; var jsSiteResourceSettings = {canCombine: false, canMinify: false}; </script>  <script src="/ADF/thirdParty/jquery/jquery-1.12.js"></script><link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://code.jquery.com"><script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.3.1.min.js"></script><link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Open+Sans:300,400,600,700"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Open+Sans:300,400,600,700"><link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/4.0.0/css/bootstrap.min.css"><link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/jquery.slick/1.6.0/slick.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/ADF/apps/pt_social_media/style/socialmedia.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_cs_apps/pt_calendar/style/calendar.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/styles/main.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/styles/read-more.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/styles/js-accordion.css"><script src="/commonspot/javascript/browser-all.js"></script>   <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://use.fontawesome.com"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://use.fontawesome.com/releases/v5.4.2/css/all.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://use.fontawesome.com/releases/v5.4.2/css/v4-shims.css">   <style type="text/css">article, aside, details, figcaption, figure, footer, header, hgroup, main, nav, section, summary {display: block;}</style>   <script>  </script><script> var jsDlgLoader = '/Programs/awards/loader.cfm'; var jsSiteResourceLoader = '/cs-resources.cfm?r='; var jsSiteResourceSettings = {canCombine: false, canMinify: false}; </script>    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no"> <meta http-equiv="x-ua-compatible" content="ie=edge">    <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_cs_widgets/_resources/csw-button-styles.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_cs_widgets/_resources/csw-common-styles.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_cs_widgets/_resources/csw-text-styles.css"><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_cs_widgets/csw-buttons/css/csw-buttons.css">   <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/commonspot/commonspot.css" id="cs_maincss">  </head><body class="fixed-header"><span role="navigation" aria-label="Top of page" id="__topdoc__"></span><div id="cs_control_1490" class="cs_control CS_Element_DHTML_Menu"><script src="/commonspot/menu_common.js"></script><script src="/Programs/awards/dhtmlmenu_pgdefs_942.js"></script><script src="/Programs/awards/dhtmlmenu_staticmenus_942.js"></script><script src="/commonspot/controls/dhtmlmenu/HM_Loader.js"></script></div> <ul id="skipLinks"> <li> <a href="#topNav"> Skip to main navigation </a> </li> <li> <a href="#txtSearch"> Skip to search </a> </li> <li> <a href="#mainContent"> Skip to content </a> </li> </ul>  <div class="header header-2" role="banner"> <div class="container-fluid"> <a href="/" class="logo-link"> <img src="/images/2018/masthead.gif" alt="American Association of Physics Teachers" class="logo-large"> <img src="/images/2018/masthead-logo.gif" alt="American Association of Physics Teachers" class="logo-small"> </a> <a href="#" class="mobile-menu-toggle"> <span class="open-mobile-menu"> <i class="fas fa-bars"></i> <span class="sr-only">Open Menu</span> </span> <span class="close-mobile-menu"> <i class="fas fa-close"></i> <span class="sr-only">Close Menu</span> </span> </a> <a href="#" class="mobile-search-toggle"> <i class="fas fa-search"></i> <span class="sr-only">Search</span> </a> <div class="top-nav-container" role="navigation" aria-label="Primary"> <ul class="top-nav top-nav-secondary" id="topNavSecondary"> <li class="desktop-menu-only"> <a href="https://portal.aapt.org/portal/Contacts/Sign_In.aspx?LoginRedirect=true&returnurl=%2fportal%2fHome%2fportal%2fPortal_Home.aspx" class="btn btn-link"> <i class="fas fa-sign-in-alt"></i> Sign In </a> </li> <li class="desktop-menu-only no-collapse"> <div id="cs_control_51196" class="cs_control CS_Element_Custom"> <div id="cswButtonsWrapper-51196" class="csw-Buttons cswImgPos-centermiddle" > <div id="cswButtonsSet-51196" class="cswButtonsSet cswButtonsHorizontal cswButtonAlign-center cswStackNone-xxs cswStackNone-md cswStackNone-sm cswStackNone-xs cswStackNone-lg"> <div class="cswBtnWrapper " style="margin:5px 5px 5px 5px;";><a href="/Membership/joining.cfm" class="cswBtn cswButton cswBtnSize-lg cswEffect-default cswBtn-filled cswBtn-rounded" style="background-color:rgb(139,0,0);" role="button" ><span style="color:rgb(255,255,255);">Join</span></a></div> </div>  </div> </div> </li> <li class="desktop-menu-only no-collapse"> <div id="cs_control_51197" class="cs_control CS_Element_Custom"> <div id="cswButtonsWrapper-51197" class="csw-Buttons cswImgPos-centermiddle" > <div id="cswButtonsSet-51197" class="cswButtonsSet cswButtonsHorizontal cswButtonAlign-center cswStackNone-xxs cswStackNone-md cswStackNone-sm cswStackNone-xs cswStackNone-lg"> <div class="cswBtnWrapper " style="margin:5px 5px 5px 5px;";><a href="/Donations/landing.cfm" class="cswBtn cswButton cswBtnSize-lg cswEffect-default cswBtn-filled cswBtn-rounded" style="background-color:rgb(255,165,0);" role="button" ><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Donate</span></a></div> </div>  </div> </div> </li> <li class="search-list-item"> <a href="#" class="btn btn-aapt collapsed-search-toggle" name="txtSearch"> <i class="fas fa-search"></i> <span class="sr-only">Search</span> </a> <form action="/search-results.cfm" method="POST" name="dlgform51242" id="site-search-form" onsubmit="doSubmit51242();" role="search"> <input id="searchType" name="searchType" type="hidden" value="text"> <input id="incl_subsites" name="incl_subsites" type="hidden" value="0"> <script type="text/javascript">  </script> <label for="srchString51242" class="sr-only">Search:</label> <input type="text" name="srchString51242" value="search criteria" onclick="this.value='';" onblur="this.value=!this.value?'':this.value;" id="cs_search_form" size="18" class="js-site-search-box" title="Search"> <input id="srchString" name="srchString" type="hidden" value=""> <input type="button" name="searchbutton" value="Search" onclick="SubmitForm51242();" class="btn btn-aapt" size="10"> <input id="showSummaryCheckBox" name="showSummaryCheckBox" type="hidden" value="0"> <input id="UserSelectedSubSites" name="UserSelectedSubSites" type="hidden" value=""> <input id="startpage" name="startpage" type="hidden" value="1"> <input id="curpage" name="curpage" type="hidden" value="1"> </form> </li> </ul> <div id="cs_control_49128" class="cs_control CS_Element_Tree"><ul class="top-nav" id="topNav"><li class="has-children"> <a class="nav-link" href="/aboutaapt/index.cfm" >About</a> <ul class="center-menu"><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/news-landing.cfm" >AAPT News</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/news.cfm" >Press Release Archive</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/monthly-calendar-list.cfm" >Calendar</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/history.cfm" >History</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/organization/#committees" >AAPT Committees</a> </li><li> <a href="https://tinyurl.com/aapt-nomination-form-2020" >Area Committee Nomination Form</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/organization/index.cfm" >Governance</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/organization/area_committees.cfm" >Area Committees</a> </li><li> <a href="/Publications/AnnualReport.cfm" >Annual Report</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/job_opportunities.cfm" >Job Opportunities</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/organization/code_of_conduct.cfm" >Code of Conduct</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/2022-Strategic-Plan.cfm" >Mission Statement</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/organization/index.cfm" >Organization</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/marketing.cfm" >Marketing Opportunities</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/privacy_statement.cfm" >Privacy Statement</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/organization/contact_us.cfm" >Contact</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/2022-Strategic-Plan.cfm" >Strategic Plan</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/upload/AAPT_DEI_value_prop_vision_guiding_princ-final.pdf" >AAPT's DEI Strategy</a> </li></ul></li><li> <a class="nav-link" href="https://aapt.tradewing.com/" >COMMUNITIES</a> </li><li class="has-children"> <a class="nav-link" href="/Conferences/index.cfm" >Conferences</a> <ul class="center-menu"><li> <a href="/Conferences/WM2025/index.cfm" >2025 AAPT Winter Meeting</a> </li><li> <a href="/Conferences/SM2024/index.cfm" >2024 AAPT Summer Meeting</a> </li><li> <a href="/Conferences/meetings.cfm" >National Meetings</a> </li><li> <a href="/Conferences/mtghighlights_new.cfm" >Highlights of Past Meetings</a> </li><li> <a href="/Conferences/Meeting_Abstracts.cfm" >Meeting Abstract Archive</a> </li><li> <a href="https://optycs.aapt.org/Tandem/" >TYC Tandem Meeting</a> </li><li> <a href="/Conferences/workshops.cfm" >Workshops</a> </li><li> <a href="/Conferences/depchairsprogram.cfm" >Physics Department Chairs Conference</a> </li></ul></li><li class="has-children"> <a class="nav-link" href="/Programs/index.cfm" >Programs</a> <ul class="center-menu"><li> <a href="/Programs/awards/index.cfm" >Awards & Medals</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/projects/index.cfm" >Collaborative Projects</a> </li><li> <a href="/physicsteam/PT-landing.cfm" >U.S. Physics Team</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/grants/index.cfm" >Grants & Scholarships</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/contests/index.cfm" >Contests & Competitions</a> </li><li> <a href="/Conferences/newfaculty/index.cfm" >New Faculty Programs</a> </li><li> <a href="/K12/index.cfm" >K-12 Portal</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/projects/sees.cfm" >SEES</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/AAPT_Virtual_Coffee_Hour.cfm" >Virtual Coffee Hour</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/video.cfm" >VIDEO AAPT</a> </li></ul></li><li class="has-children"> <a class="nav-link" href="/Publications/index.cfm" >Publications</a> <ul class="center-menu"><li> <a href="/Publications/generalinfo.cfm" >Publications Information</a> </li><li> <a href="/Publications/AJP/index.cfm" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('/Publications/AJP/index.cfm','_blank','');return false;">AJP Website</a> </li><li> <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/books/search-results?f_BookSeries=Archive&amp;fl_SiteID=5&amp;page=1&amp;f_ContentType=Book" >AAPT Book Archive</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/news-landing.cfm" >AAPT News</a> </li><li> <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aapt/ajp" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://pubs.aip.org/aapt/ajp','_blank','');return false;">Browse AJP Online</a> </li><li> <a href="/Publications/ads.cfm" >Advertising Media Kit</a> </li><li> <a href="http://pubs.aip.org/aapt/pte" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('http://pubs.aip.org/aapt/pte','_blank','');return false;">Browse TPT Online</a> </li><li> <a href="https://scitationinfo.org/p/1XPS-6G3/aapt-see-physics-in-ac-tion" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://scitationinfo.org/p/1XPS-6G3/aapt-see-physics-in-ac-tion','_blank','');return false;">Video Abstracts</a> </li><li> <a href="/Publications/tpt.cfm" >The Physics Teacher TOC</a> </li><li> <a href="/Publications/ajp_tpt_toc_archive.cfm" >TOC Archive</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/ennouncer/index.cfm" >eNNOUNCER Archive</a> </li><li> <a href="/Publications/AnnualReport.cfm" >AAPT Annual Report</a> </li><li> <a href="/Publications/perjournal.cfm" >Physical Review Physics Education Research</a> </li><li> <a href="https://physicstoday.scitation.org/journal/pto" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://physicstoday.scitation.org/journal/pto','_blank','');return false;">Physics Today</a> </li><li> <a href="/Sections/index.cfm" >AAPT Section News Archive</a> </li><li> <a href="/aboutaapt/news.cfm" >News Archive</a> </li><li> <a href="/ComPADRE/" >AAPT ComPADRE Digital Library</a> </li></ul></li><li class="has-children"> <a class="nav-link" href="/Membership/index.cfm" >Membership</a> <ul class="center-menu"><li> <a href="/Membership/joining_new.cfm" >Joining AAPT - Levels & Dues</a> </li><li> <a href="/Membership/Explore_the_Benefits.cfm" >Member Benefits</a> </li><li> <a href="/Membership/Renew-Your-Membership.cfm" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('/Membership/Renew-Your-Membership.cfm','_blank','');return false;">Renew your membership</a> </li><li> <a href="https://portal.aapt.org/portal/My_Account/portal/Contacts/ContactLayouts/AAPT_Account_Page.aspx" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://portal.aapt.org/portal/My_Account/portal/Contacts/ContactLayouts/AAPT_Account_Page.aspx','_blank','');return false;">View or update your profile</a> </li><li> <a href="https://portal.aapt.org/portal/Contacts/Sign_In.aspx?WebsiteKey=558e69f8-0be9-4a17-a834-b0778764254d&LoginRedirect=true&returnurl=%2fportal%2fMembership%2fMembership-Directory-Expanded.aspx" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://portal.aapt.org/portal/Contacts/Sign_In.aspx?WebsiteKey=558e69f8-0be9-4a17-a834-b0778764254d&LoginRedirect=true&returnurl=%2fportal%2fMembership%2fMembership-Directory-Expanded.aspx','_blank','');return false;">Member Directory</a> </li><li> <a href="/Membership/getinvolved.cfm" >How to Get Involved with AAPT</a> </li><li> <a href="/Membership/AAPT-Member-Testimonials.cfm" >Testimonials</a> </li><li> <a href="/Membership/Connections_Matter.cfm" >Referral</a> </li><li> <a href="/Membership/spotlight-archive-new.cfm" >Member Spotlight Archive</a> </li><li> <a href="/Membership/memoriam.cfm" >In Memoriam</a> </li><li> <a href="https://portal.aapt.org/portal/Store/StoreLayouts/New_Store_Landing_A.aspx" >AAPT Store</a> </li><li> <a href="/Membership/partners.cfm" >Partners</a> </li></ul></li><li class="has-children"> <a class="nav-link" href="/Resources/index.cfm" >Resources</a> <ul><li> <a href="/Resources/Physics-Diversity.cfm" >Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physics</a> </li><li> <a href="/Resources/Article-Collections-from-AJP-and-TPT.cfm" >Article Collections</a> </li><li> <a href="https://ealliances.aapt.org/" >eAlliances</a> </li><li> <a href="https://serc.carleton.edu/sisl/sustain_in_physics.html" >Sustainability in Physics</a> </li><li> <a href="/Resources/students.cfm" >Students</a> </li><li> <a href="/Resources/colluniv.cfm" >Colleges and Universities</a> </li><li> <a href="/K12/index.cfm" >K-12 Portal</a> </li><li> <a href="/PTRA/index.cfm" >PTRA</a> </li><li> <a href="/ComPADRE/" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('/ComPADRE/','_blank','');return false;">AAPT ComPADRE Digital library</a> </li><li> <a href="/Resources/speakers_bureau-landing.cfm" >Speakers Bureau</a> </li><li> <a href="https://jobs.aapt.org/" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://jobs.aapt.org/','_blank','');return false;">AAPT Career Center</a> </li><li> <a href="/Resources/deptreview.cfm" >Program Review</a> </li><li> <a href="/Resources/media.cfm" >Media Relations</a> </li><li> <a href="/Resources/policy/index.cfm" >Policy & Legislation</a> </li><li> <a href="/Resources/index.cfm" >Guidelines and Recommendations</a> </li></ul></li><li class="has-children"> <a class="nav-link" href="/Membership/collaborators.cfm" >Collaborators</a> <ul><li> <a href="/Membership/partners.cfm" >Partners</a> </li><li> <a href="/Sections/index.cfm" >AAPT Sections</a> </li><li> <a href="http://optycs.aapt.org/" >OPTYCs</a> </li><li> <a href="/partners/affiliates.cfm" >Affiliated Organizations</a> </li><li> <a href="/Membership/pertghome.cfm" >PERTG & PERLOC</a> </li><li> <a href="https://pira.wildapricot.org/" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://pira.wildapricot.org/','_blank','');return false;">PIRA</a> </li><li> <a href="https://advlab.org/" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://advlab.org/','_blank','');return false;">ALPhA</a> </li><li> <a href="https://www.physport.org/" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://www.physport.org/','_blank','');return false;">PhysPort</a> </li><li> <a href="https://www.phystec.org/" onclick="javascript:doWindowOpen('https://www.phystec.org/','_blank','');return false;">PhysTEC</a> </li></ul></li><li class="has-children"> <a class="nav-link" href="/Donations/landing.cfm" >Giving</a> <ul><li> <a href="https://portal.aapt.org/portal/Donate_Now/Donation_List2.aspx" >Donate</a> </li><li> <a href="/Donations/supporters_of_aapt.cfm" >Supporters of AAPT</a> </li><li> <a href="/Donations/planned_giving_new.cfm" >Planned Giving</a> </li><li> <a href="/Donations/volunteer.cfm" >Volunteering</a> </li></ul></li><li class="mobile-menu-only"> <a class="nav-link" href="https://portal.aapt.org/portal/Contacts/Sign_In.aspx?LoginRedirect=true&returnurl=%2fportal%2fHome%2fportal%2fPortal_Home.aspx" >Sign In</a> </li><li class="mobile-menu-only"> <a class="nav-link" href="/aboutaapt/organization/index.cfm" >Governance</a> </li><li class="mobile-menu-only"> <a class="nav-link" href="/aboutaapt/organization/contact_us.cfm" >Contact</a> </li><li class="mobile-menu-only"> <a class="nav-link" href="/aboutaapt/organization/FAQ_RiSE.cfm" >Help</a> </li><li class="mobile-menu-only"> <a class="nav-link" href="https://portal.aapt.org/portal/Store/StoreLayouts/New_Store_Landing_A.aspx" >Store</a> </li></ul></li></div> </div> </div> </div>  <main role="main" id="mainContent" name="mainContent"> <div class="full-row full-row-breadcrumbs"><div id="cs_control_49241" class="cs_control container"> <ul> <li> <a href="/">AAPT</a> <span class="chevron">›</span> </li> <li> <a href="/Programs/">Programs</a> <span class="chevron">›</span> </li> <li> <a href="/Programs/awards/">Awards</a> <span class="chevron">›</span> </li> <li>Richtmyer Memorial Lecture</li> </ul> </div></div> <div class="full-row full-row-white"> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-lg-3"><div id="cs_control_49257" class="cs_control CS_Element_Schedule"><div title="" id="CS_Element_leftsidebarcontainer"><div id="gridRow_1_49285_49257" class="cs_GridRow"><div id="gridCol_1_1_49285_49286_49257" class="cs_GridColumn"><div id="cs_control_49261" class="cs_control CS_Element_Tree"><div class="left-nav"> <h2> <a href="/Programs/" class="left-nav-title"> Programs <span class="sr-only">Section Navigation</span> </a> <a href="#" class="js-left-nav-toggle d-inline-block d-lg-none d-xl-none"> <i class="fas fa-plus"></i> <span class="sr-only"> Show navigation </span> </a> </h2> <ul class="left-nav-top-list"><li> <a href="/Programs/grants/" >Grants & Scholarships</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/awards/" >Awards & Medals</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/contests/" >Contests & Competitions</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/projects/" >Collaborative Projects</a> </li><li> <a href="/physicsteam/PT-landing.cfm" >U.S. Physics Team</a> </li><li> <a href="/Conferences/newfaculty/" >New Faculty Programs</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/AAPT_Virtual_Coffee_Hour.cfm" >Virtual Coffee Hour</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/video.cfm" >VIDEO AAPT</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/projects/sees.cfm" >SEES</a> </li><li> <a href="/K12/index.cfm" >K-12 Portal</a> </li><li> <a href="/Programs/grants/registration_and__dependent_care_grants.cfm" >Registration and Dependent Care Grants</a> </li></ul></div></li></div></div></div></div></div></div> <div class="col-lg-9"> <div id="cs_control_49037" class="cs_control CS_Element_Schedule"><div title="" id="CS_Element_contentcontainer"><div id="gridRow_1_49285_49037" class="cs_GridRow"><div id="gridCol_1_1_49285_49286_49037" class="cs_GridColumn"><div id="cs_control_22709" class="cs_control CS_Element_Textblock"><div class="CS_Textblock_Text"><h3>Richtmyer Memorial Lecture Award</h3> <div class="infobox" style="WIDTH: 170px;float:right;"> <p class="center"><img alt="Floyd K. Richtmyer Portrait (Small)" data-render="1|0|0|0|150|225|0|5|10" height="225" src="/Programs/awards/images/richtmyer_small.jpg" style="margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;margin-left:10px;margin-right:10px;" title="" width="150" /><br /> Floyd K. Richtmyer, a founder and past president of AAPT</p> </div> <p>Established in 1941</p> <p>Named for Floyd K. Richtmyer, distinguished physicist, teacher, and administrator and one of the founders of AAPT, <em>the Richtmyer Memorial Lecture Award recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to physics and their communication to physics educators</em>. The recipient delivers the Richtmyer Lecture at an AAPT Winter Meeting on a topic of current significance and at a level suitable for a non-specialist audience and receives a monetary award, an Award Certificate, and travel expenses to the meeting. Self-nomination is not appropriate for this award. Preference in the selection of the recipient will be given to members of AAPT.</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://aaptawards.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/home/1">Nominate someone</a></li>  </ul> <h4>Award Winners</h4> <h5>2024</h5> <p>Katherine (Katie) Mack, Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada<br /> "Dark Matter: The Cosmic Mystery at the Heart of Particle Physics"</p> <h5>2023</h5> <p>Jocelyn Bell Burnell, University of Oxford, Oxford, England<br /> “Bursts, bangs and things that go bump in the night”</p> <h5>2018</h5> <p>Mark Beck, Benjamin H. Brown Professor of Physics and Chair of the Department of Physics at Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington<br /> "Preparing Our Students for Quantum 2.0"</p> <h5>2017</h5> <p>Jay M. Pasachoff, Williams College, Williamstown, MA<br /> "Observing the Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017"</p> <h5>2016</h5> <p>Derek Muller, Veritasium You Tube Channel, Catalyst<br /> "Why Some Confusion is Good-Evidence for How to Make Learners Think"</p> <h5>2014</h5> <p>Sir Michael Berry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK<br /> "How Quantum Physics Democratized Musi",</p> <h5>2012</h5> <p>Brian Greene, Columbia University, New York, NY<br /> "Cosmology, Dark Energy, and String Theory"</p> <h5>2011</h5> <p>Kathryn Moler, Stanford University, Gaballe Labroatory for Advanced Physics and Physics<br /> "Quantum Whirlpools: Tiny Vortices of Tireless Electrons"</p> <h5>2008/2009</h5> <p>Vera Rubin, Carnegie Institution of Washington,<br /> "Rotating Galaxies and Dark Matter"</p> <h5>2007</h5> <p>Alex Filippenko, University of California, Berkeley<br /> "Evidence from Type Ia Supernovae for an Accelerating Universe and Dark Energy."</p> <h5>2006</h5> <p>Neil Ashby, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO,<br /> "Practical Relativity."</p> <h5>2005</h5> <p>Carlos Bustamante, University of California, Berkeley,<br /> "Measuring the Torsional Rigidity of DNA: An Old Problem with a New Twist."</p> <h5>2004</h5> <p>Lene V. Hau, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA,<br /> "Light at Bicycle Speed- andSlower Yet!"</p> <h5>2003</h5> <p>Margaret Murnane, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO,<br /> "Can We Make Atoms Sing and Molecules Dance? Using Fast Light Pulses to Observe and Control Nature."</p> <h5>2002</h5> <p>Jordan A. Goodman, University of Maryland, College Park, MD,<br /> "Neutrinos, Dark Matter, and the Cosmological Constant"</p> <h5>2001</h5> <p>Shirley Ann Jackson, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY,<br /> "Probabilistic Risk Assessment and Its Use in Nuclear Reactor Regulation"</p> <h5>2000</h5> <p>William D. Phillips, National Institute of Standards and Technology<br /> "Time, Einstein, and the Coldest Stuff in the Universe", <span class="cite">Phys. Teach.</span>38 , 203 (2000).</p> <h5>1999</h5> <p>Wayne H. Knox, Bell Laboratories,<br /> >"Ultrafast Science and Technology: What an Exciting Time!"</p> <h5>1998</h5> <p>Douglas D. Osheroff, Stanford University<br /> "The Role of Luck in Physical Discovery: A Personal Perspective," <span class="cite">Phys. Teach.</span>36 , 133 (1998).</p> <h5>1997</h5> <p>H. Eugene Stanley, Boston University<br /> "The Puzzling Physics of Liquid Water," <span class="cite">Phys. Teach.</span>35 , 263 (1997).</p> <h5>1996</h5> <p>Carl E. Wieman, University of Colorado<br /> "Bose-Einstein Condensation in a Ultra Cold Gas," <span class="cite">Phys. Teach.</span>34 , 998 (1996).</p> <h5>1995</h5> <p>Joseph Henry Taylor, Princeton University<br /> "Binary Pulsars and Relativistic Gravity," <span class="cite">Phys. Teach.</span>33 , 200 (1995).</p> <h5>1994</h5> <p>Sheldon Lee Glashow, Harvard University<br /> "The Unification of the Large and the Small."</p> <h5>1993</h5> <p>Richard E. Smalley, Rice University<br /> "Carbon and the Challenge of Nanotechnology," <span class="cite">Phys. Teach.</span>31 , 266 (1993).</p> <h5>1992</h5> <p>Kip S. Thorne, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena<br /> "Black Holes and Gravitational Waves," <span class="cite">Phys. Teach.</span>30 , 198 (1992).</p> <h5>1991</h5> <p>Larry W. Esposito, University of Colorado at Boulder<br /> "History of Planetary Rings," <span class="cite">Phys. Teach.</span>29 , 209 (1991).</p> <h5>1990</h5> <p>Steven Chu, Stanford University<br /> "Laser-Cooled Atoms: How and Why?" <span class="cite">Phys. Teach.</span>28 , 141 (1990).</p> <h5>1989</h5> <p>Robert J. Birgeneau, Massachusetts Institute of Technology<br /> "Novel Magnetic Phenomena in High Temperature Superconductors --How Are They Connected?" <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>58 , 28 (1990).</p> <h5>1988</h5> <p>Peter A. Franken, University of Arizona<br /> "Newton's First Law, Star Wars, and AIDS."</p> <h5>1987</h5> <p>Clifford M. Will, Washington University, St. Louis<br /> "Was Einstein Right?"</p> <h5>1986</h5> <p>Leon M. Lederman, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory<br /> "Unification, Grand Unification, and the Unity of Physics," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>54 , 594 (1986).</p> <h5>1985</h5> <p>Gerry Neugebauer, Cal-Tech<br /> "Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS)."</p> <h5>1984</h5> <p>David N. Schramm, University of Chicago<br /> "On the Matter of the Universe."</p> <h5>1983</h5> <p>Edward A. Frieman, Science Applications Inc., La Jolla, California<br /> "Fusion From Strange Attractors to Energy Policy."</p> <h5>1982</h5> <p>Karen McNally, Seismological Laboratory, Cal-Tech and University of California, Santa Cruz<br /> "Earthquake Prediction: A Problem of Physical Scaling."</p> <h5>1981</h5> <p>Hans Frauenfelder, University of Illinois<br /> "Physics of Biomolecules."</p> <h5>1980</h5> <p>Edward C. Stone, California Institute of Technology<br /> "The Voyager Encounters with Jupiter."</p> <h5>1979</h5> <p>William A. Nierenberg, Scripps Institute of Oceanography<br /> "Physics and Oceanography."</p> <h5>1978</h5> <p>Sidney Drell, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center<br /> "When is a Particle?" <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>46 , 597 (1978).</p> <h5>1977</h5> <p>Michael Tinkham, Harvard University<br /> "Superconductivity: Pure and Applied."</p> <h5>1976</h5> <p>Britton Chance, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine<br /> "Optical Studies of Intracellular Spaces."</p> <h5>1975</h5> <p>Riccardo Giacconi , Harvard University<br /> "Progress in X-Ray Astronomy," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>44 , 121 (1976).</p> <h5>1974</h5> <p>Steven Weinberg, Harvard University<br /> "Progress Toward a Unified Field Theory of Elementary Particles."</p> <h5>1973</h5> <p>Michael E. Fisher, Cornell University<br /> "Critical Points and their Exponents."</p> <h5>1972</h5> <p>Robert B. Leighton, California Institute of Technology<br /> "A Physicist Looks at Mars," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>40, 1569 (1972).</p> <h5>1971</h5> <p>Edwin Land, Polaroid Corporation<br /> "The Retinex Theory of Color Vision."</p> <h5>1970</h5> <p>Arthur L. Schawlow, Stanford University<br /> "Is Spectroscopy Dead?"</p> <h5>1969</h5> <p>S. Chandrasekhar, University of Chicago<br /> "Some Historical Notes," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>37 , 577 (1969).</p> <h5>1968</h5> <p>Robert R. Wilson, National Accelerator Laboratory<br /> "Particles, Accelerators, and Society," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>36 , 490 (1968).</p> <h5>1967</h5> <p>R.H. Dicke, Princeton University<br /> "Gravitation and Cosmic Physics," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>35 , 559 (1967).</p> <h5>1966</h5> <p>Murray Gell-Mann, California Institute of Technology<br /> "The Spectrum of Baryon and Meson States."</p> <h5>1965</h5> <p>William M. Fairbank, Stanford University<br /> "Near Zero A Frontier of Physics."</p> <h5>1964</h5> <p>Fred Hoyle, Cambridge University<br /> "Massive Objects in Astrophysics and General Relativity."</p> <h5>1963</h5> <p>W.K.H. Panofsky, Stanford University<br /> "Photon and Electron High-Energy Physics: Present and Future," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>32 , 409 (1963).</p> <h5>1962</h5> <p>T. Gold, Cornell University<br /> "The Arrow of Time," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>30 , 403 (1962).</p> <h5>1961</h5> <p>William A. Fowler, California Institute of Technology<br /> "Deuteronomy: The Synthesis of Deuterons and Other Light Nuclei during the Early History of the Solar System," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>29 , 393 (1961).</p> <h5>1960</h5> <p>James A. Van Allen, State University of Iowa<br /> "Physics in Space."</p> <h5>1959</h5> <p>Charles H. Townes, Columbia University<br /> "Masers and Their Applications."</p> <h5>1958</h5> <p>Philip Morrison, Cornell University<br /> "The Approximate Nature of Physical Symmetries."</p> <h5>1957</h5> <p>Emilio Segre, University of California<br /> "Antinucleons," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>25 , 363 (1957).</p> <h5>1956</h5> <p>Walter H. Brattain, Bell Telephone Laboratories<br /> "Development of Concepts in Semi-Conductor Research," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>24 , 421 (1956).</p> <h5>1955</h5> <p>Eugene P. Wigner, Princeton University<br /> "On the Development of the Compound Nucleus Model," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>23 , 371 (1955).</p> <h5>1954</h5> <p>John A. Wheeler, Princeton University<br /> "Fields and Particles."</p> <h5>1953</h5> <p>Edward M. Purcell, Harvard University<br /> "Nuclear Magnetism."</p> <h5>1952</h5> <p>Enrico Fermi, University of Chicago<br /> "Large Cyclotron Research at the University of Chicago."</p> <h5>1951</h5> <p>John C. Slater, Massachusetts Institute of Technology<br /> "The Electron Theory of Solids," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>19 , 368 (1951).</p> <h5>1950</h5> <p>John H. Van Vleck, Harvard University<br /> "Landmarks in the Theory of Magnetism," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>18 , 495 (1950).</p> <h5>1949</h5> <p>Lee A. DuBridge, California Institute of Technology<br /> "The Effects of World War II on the Science of Physics," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>17 , 273 (1949).</p> <h5>1948</h5> <p>Homer L. Dodge, Norwich University<br /> "New Frontiers," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>16 , 209 (1948).</p> <h5>1947</h5> <p>J.R. Oppenheimer, University of California<br /> "The Present Status of Atomic Physics."</p> <h5>1946</h5> <p>Paul E. Klopsteg, Northwestern University<br /> "Technological Research in the University," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>14 , 165 (1946).</p> <h5>1945</h5> <p>I.I. Rabi, Columbia University<br /> "Radio-Frequency Spectroscopy."</p> <h5>1944</h5> <p>Karl K. Darrow, Columbia University<br /> "The Future of Physics, Past and Present," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>12 , 55 (1944).</p> <h5>1942</h5> <p>Gordon Ferris Hull, Dartmouth College<br /> "The New Spirit in American Physics," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>11 , 23 (1943).</p> <h5>1941</h5> <p>Arthur H. Compton, University of Chicago<br /> "War Problems of the Physics Teacher," <span class="cite">Am. J. Phys.</span>10 , 92 (1942).</p></div></div></div></div></div></div><a id="Chapter_Page_with_List"></a><a id="CP_JUMP_2"></a><div id="cs_control_2" class="cs_control page"><table id="cs_idLayout2" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="CS_Layout_Table" width="100%" summary=""><tr class="CS_Layout_TR"><td id="cs_idCell2x1x1" class="CS_Layout_TD"><img src="/commonspot/images/clear.gif" width="1" height="1" alt="" style="display:block;" /></td></tr> </table></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer> <div class="full-row full-row-dark-blue"><div id="cs_control_49310" class="cs_control CS_Element_Schedule"><div title="" id="CS_Element_footer"><div id="gridRow_1_50759_49310" class="cs_GridRow container-fluid"><div id="gridRow_inner_1_50759_49310" class="row"><div id="gridCol_1_1_50759_50760_49310" class="cs_GridColumn col-md-8"><div id="cs_control_49312" class="cs_control CS_Element_Label"><h2 class="CS_Label_Current_Item">Site Navigation</h2></div><div id="cs_control_49313" class="cs_control CS_Element_LinkBar"> <div class="content-block"> <ul class="list-group list-group-2-col"> <li><a href="/aboutaapt/index.cfm" title="About">About</a></li> <li><a href="/Programs/index.cfm" title="Programs">Programs</a></li> <li><a href="/Membership/index.cfm" title="Membership">Membership</a></li> <li><a href="/Resources/index.cfm" title="Resources">Resources</a></li> <li><a href="https://portal.aapt.org/portal/Store/StoreLayouts/New_Store_Landing_A.aspx" title="Store">Store</a></li> <li><a href="/Conferences/Index.cfm" title="Conferences">Conferences</a></li> <li><a href="/Publications/index.cfm" title="Publications">Publications</a></li> <li><a href="/Sections/index.cfm" title="Sections">Sections</a></li> <li><a href="/partners/index.cfm" title="Collaborators">Collaborators</a></li> <li><a href="/Donations/landing.cfm" title="Giving">Giving</a></li> </ul> </div></div></div><div id="gridCol_1_2_50759_50761_49310" class="cs_GridColumn col-md-4"><div id="cs_control_49314" class="cs_control CS_Element_Label"><h2 class="CS_Label_Current_Item">Contact</h2></div><div id="cs_control_49315" class="cs_control CS_Element_Textblock"><div class="CS_Textblock_Text"><div class="content-block"> <p>© 2024 <a href="https://www.aapt.org">American Association of Physics Teachers</a><sup>®</sup><br /> 1 Physics Ellipse<br /> 5th Floor AAPT<br /> College Park, MD<br /> 20740-3845</p> <p>Phone: 301-209-3311<br /> Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm Eastern Time</p> <p><a href="/aboutaapt/organization/contact_us.cfm" id="/aboutaapt/organization/contact_us.cfm">Contact Us</a></p> </div></div></div></div></div></div><div id="gridRow_2_49285_49310" class="cs_GridRow"><div id="gridCol_2_1_49285_49286_49310" class="cs_GridColumn"><div id="cs_control_49551" class="cs_control CS_Element_Custom"> <div id="cswButtonsWrapper-49551" class="csw-Buttons cswImgPos-centermiddle" style="padding: 20px 20px 20px 20px;"> <div id="cswButtonsSet-49551" class="cswButtonsSet cswButtonsHorizontal cswButtonAlign-center cswStackNone-xxs cswStackNone-md cswStackNone-sm cswStackNone-xs cswStackNone-lg"> <div class="cswBtnWrapper " style="margin:0vw 3vw 0vw 3vw;";><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AAPTHQ" class="cswBtn cswButtonWithIcon-left cswBtnSize-lg cswEffect-fill cswBtn-filled cswBtn-rounded" style="background-color:rgb(0,51,101);" role="button" ><i style="color:rgb(255,255,255);" class="fa fa-facebook-square" aria-hidden="true"></i><span style="color:rgb(255,255,255);">Facebook</span></a></div> <div class="cswBtnWrapper " style="margin:0vw 3vw 0vw 3vw;";><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/physicsteachers/albums" class="cswBtn cswButtonWithIcon-left cswBtnSize-lg cswEffect-fill cswBtn-filled cswBtn-rounded" style="background-color:rgb(0,51,101);" role="button" ><i style="color:rgb(255,255,255);" class="fa fa-flickr" aria-hidden="true"></i><span style="color:rgb(255,255,255);">Flickr</span></a></div> <div class="cswBtnWrapper " style="margin:0vw 3vw 0vw 3vw;";><a href="https://www.twitter.com/AAPTHQ" class="cswBtn cswButtonWithIcon-left cswBtnSize-lg cswEffect-fill cswBtn-filled cswBtn-rounded" style="background-color:rgb(0,51,101);" role="button" ><i style="color:rgb(255,255,255);" class="fa fa-twitter" aria-hidden="true"></i><span style="color:rgb(255,255,255);">Twitter</span></a></div> <div class="cswBtnWrapper " style="margin:0vw 3vw 0vw 3vw;";><a href="http://www.youtube.com/physicsteachers" class="cswBtn cswButtonWithIcon-left cswBtnSize-lg cswEffect-fill cswBtn-filled cswBtn-rounded" style="background-color:rgb(0,51,101);" role="button" ><i style="color:rgb(255,255,255);" class="fa fa-youtube-play" aria-hidden="true"></i><span style="color:rgb(255,255,255);">YouTube</span></a></div> <div class="cswBtnWrapper " style="margin:0vw 3vw 0vw 3vw;";><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-association-of-physics-teachers/" class="cswBtn cswButtonWithIcon-left cswBtnSize-lg cswEffect-fill cswBtn-filled cswBtn-rounded" style="background-color:rgb(0,51,101);" role="button" ><i style="color:rgb(255,255,255);" class="fa fa-linkedin-square" aria-hidden="true"></i><span style="color:rgb(255,255,255);">LinkedIn</span></a></div> <div class="cswBtnWrapper " style="margin:0vw 3vw 0vw 3vw;";><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aapthq/" class="cswBtn cswButtonWithIcon-left cswBtnSize-lg cswEffect-fill cswBtn-filled cswBtn-rounded" style="background-color:rgb(0,51,101);" role="button" ><i style="color:rgb(255,255,255);" class="fa fa-instagram" aria-hidden="true"></i><span style="color:rgb(255,255,255);">Instagram</span></a></div> </div>  </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div> <div class="full-row full-row-darker-blue text-center"><div id="cs_control_22878" class="cs_control CS_Element_Schedule"><div title="" id="CS_Sched_1490_22878"><div id="cs_control_22880" class="cs_control CS_Element_Textblock"><div class="CS_Textblock_Text"><p><a style="" onmouseover=" return window.status='/login.cfm'; " onmouseout=" return window.status=''; " href="javascript:HandleLink('cpe_22880_0','CPNEWWIN:NewWindow%5Etop=10,left=10,width=500,height=400,toolbar=0,location=0,directories=0,status=0,menubar=0,scrollbars=0,resizable=1@/login.cfm');">Staff, Section Rep, & Board Sign In</a><br> </p></div></div></div></div></div> </footer>  <script> (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-1249890-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); </script>  <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-ZNR4GJ0CMR"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-ZNR4GJ0CMR'); </script>   <script src="/ADF/thirdParty/jquery/ui/jquery-ui-1.12/js/jquery-ui-1.12.js"></script><script src="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/4.0.0/js/bootstrap.min.js"></script><script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/jquery.slick/1.6.0/slick.min.js"></script><script src="/js/single-item-carousel.js"></script><script src="/js/multi-item-carousel.js"></script><script src="/js/video-carousel.js"></script><script src="/js/hero-slider-min.js"></script><script src="/js/mobile-menu-toggles.js"></script><script src="/js/js-accordion-init-min.js"></script><script src="/js/left-nav.js"></script><script src="/js/fixed-heading-min.js"></script><script src="/js/smooth-scroll.js"></script><script src="/commonspot/javascript/lightbox/overrides.js"></script><script src="/commonspot/javascript/lightbox/window_ref.js"></script><script src="/commonspot/pagemode/always-include-common.js"></script>       <script src="/_cs_widgets/_resources/csw-button-styles.js"></script><script src="/_cs_widgets/csw-buttons/js/csw-buttons.js"></script> <script>  </script> <script>  </script> </body></html>