Activities

CAP-COMP Peter Kirkby Memorial Medal for Outstanding Service to Canadian Physics

The CAP-COMP Peter Kirkby Memorial Medal recognizes outstanding service to Canadian physics. The medal is intended to recognize service to the physics community by strengthening the Canadian physics community, by enhancing the profession of physical scientists, by effectively communicating physics to the non-scientific community, or by making physics more attractive as a career. It is intended to provide a lasting memorial to Peter Kirkby and to recognize in others the qualities for which he is remembered best: a vision of a strong Canadian physics community, dedicated efforts to support that vision and, in all things, fairness, and honesty.

The Peter Kirkby Memorial Medal was introduced in 1996 and is awarded biennially.

The 2011 medal was awarded to
Dr. Ervin Podgorsak, McGill University Health Centre, for his outstanding service to Canadian Physics reflected, in particular, by his leadership in developing and enhancing the Medical Physics profession at the national and international level. Known for his kindness and hospitality, he has served his community with wisdom, enthusiasm and integrity.

The next medal will be awarded in the year 2013. Deadline for nominations is January 14, 2013.

Nomination Criteria

  • The nominator must be a member of the CAP or COMP. 
  • The nominee must be a member in good standing of the CAP or COMP in order to be nominated. 
  • The nominee must have spent the major part (i.e. more than one-half) of his/her working career in Canada or must have made a major contribution to physics after returning to a permanent position in Canada. 
  • While teaching may be an aspect of the service to Canadian physics for which a candidate is recognized, normally outstanding teaching would be recognized by the CAP's Medal for Excellence in Teaching. Equally, while research may be an aspect of the service to Canadian physics for which a candidate is recognized, normally outstanding achievement in research would be recognized by other CAP medals.