The award was established as an APS award in 1985, but existed as a division lectureship prize for twelve previous years. The award is to recognize outstanding contributions to fluid dynamics and to honor Otto Laporte. It is endowed by the friends of Otto Laporte and the Division of Fluid Dynamics , and will be presented annually. The award is given in recognition of outstanding accomplishment in research in fluid dynamics. The recipient will be invited to present a plenary lecture at the Annual Meeting of the Division of Fluid Dynamics.
Nominations are active for three years.