The prize was established in 1979 as a memorial to and in recognition of the accomplishments of Herbert P. Broida, late Professor of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It is supported by the friends and colleagues of Herbert P. Broida. The prize is awarded to one individual in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy or chemical physics. Emphasis will be given to work done within the five years prior to the awarding of the prize. Preference will be granted to an individual whose contributions have displayed a high degree of breadth, originality and creativity.
Nominations are active for three years.
The Herbert P. Broida Prize is not presented in 2002.