They may also have made significant contributions to the teaching of physics or service and participation in the activities of the Society. Open to scientists of all nations. To recognize outstanding contributions to the field of plasma physics. To recognize the humanitarian aspect of physics and physicists. To recognize outstanding research or technological innovation in the areas of interest to the AVS, with emphasis on the fields of thin films, plasma processing, and related topics.
Specified topics change each year.
Awards are typically for a period of three years with two additional years possible as options to bring the total award to five years, and at a funding level ranging from half a million to about a million dollars per year, dependent upon the topic, technical goals, and availability of appropriations. The IEEE grade of Fellow is conferred upon a person of outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in IEEE designated fields, and who has made important individual contributions to one or more of these fields. A brief citation is issued to new Fellows describing their accomplishments and the total number selected in any one year does not exceed one-tenth percent of the total voting Institute membership. The Foundation only supports individuals. It does not make grants to institutions or organizations.