Since 2004, the World Federation of Physics Competitions has biennially honoured individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the organisation of physics competitions at both national and international levels. This prestigious recognition celebrates those whose efforts have shaped the landscape of physics education, inspiring young minds and promoting excellence in scientific pursuits.
Awardees exemplify the dedication and vision required to elevate physics competitions to a global standard. Their tireless work with the physics competitions had set a benchmark for others to follow. These awards highlight the indispensable role of organisers and educators in nurturing future generations of physicists and fostering a global community united by a shared passion for science.
2024 Stefan Petersen, Germany
Excerpt from the article from Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education [archive]
A special honour was bestowed on Dr. Stefan Petersen, the long-standing competition director of the Physics Olympiad in Germany from the IPN in Kiel. He was awarded the World Federation of Physics Competition 2024 prize for his contributions to physics competitions.
In addition to his work at national level, Stefan Petersen has been involved in international competitions for school students for many years and has taken on various roles there. For example, he was a member of the Advisory Board of the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) and Vice President of the European Olympiad of Experimental Science (then European Science Olympiad – EUSO). He was also part of the organizing team of the European Science Olympiad (EUSO) in Potsdam in 2007 and co-organizer of the European Physics Olympiad (EuPhO) in Hanover in 2023 with 37 participating countries. In 2019, he also became a member of the EuPhO Academic Committee. For many years, he has also been involved in the global association: He served as Secretary of the association from 2012 to 2022 and has since been one of the Vice Presidents of the WFPhC.
2022 Gunnar Friege, Germany
2020 Hans Jordens, Netherlands
2018 Helmuth Mayr, Austria
2016 Andrzej Nadolny, Poland
The WFPhC Award Committee has chosen Andrzej Nadolny from Poland as the recipient of the federation’s award in 2016 for his outstanding commitment to physics competitions. The laudation emphasizes his contribution to diverse physics competitions on the national and international level. The head of the award committee, Jan Mostowski, presented the award to Andrzej Nadolny in Warsaw.
2014 Guy Bagnall, Great Britain
Excerpt from the article from the Journal “Physics Competitions”
Within the 45th International Physics Olympiad in Astana/Kazakhstan in July 2014 there was a session of the International Board. During this meeting, the Award-2014 of the World Federation of Physics Competitions was given to the former leader of Great Britain (from 1984 up to 2009), Guy Bagnall.
2012 Maija Ahtee, Finland
Excerpt from the article from the Journal “Physics Competitions”
Maija started her activity in the IPhO in 1977. In 1992 Finland was host of the IPhO and Maija Ahtee (together with Jukka Mattila) was very active in bringing this Olympiad to a great success.
Maija Ahtee wrote about 50 research reports in physics in national and international journals and about 100 research reports in science education, also in national and international journals. She was a member of different Physical Societies and an editorial member of the mathematics and science teachers´ magazine “Dimenso” from 1987 to 2000.
2010 Zsuzsanna Rajkovits, Hungary
Article from the Journal “Physics Competitions”
Dr Zsuzsanna Rajkovits, from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, received the 2010 WFPhC Award for her exceptional contributions to physics education. A passionate educator and innovator, she co-founded the International Conference of Young Scientists (ICYS) in 1994, offering students a unique platform to present their research in a professional conference setting. Her efforts have helped ICYS grow into a global competition with over 200 participants annually. Dr Rajkovits has also served as Vice-President of the World Federation of Physics Competitions, where she has been instrumental in organising congresses, delivering presentations, and contributing numerous articles to the Federation’s journal, Physics Competitions. Her dedication to fostering young talent and advancing the Federation’s mission earned her this well-deserved recognition.
2008 Waldemar Gorzkowski (in memoriam), Poland
Waldemar Marcin Gorzkowski has played a pivotal role in advancing physics education and fostering a culture of excellence through competitions. As a long-time organiser and supporter of the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), he has dedicated decades to ensuring its success, contributing to the growth and prestige of one of the most significant physics competitions in the world. His leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment have inspired generations of students to pursue scientific excellence and careers in physics.
For his exceptional contributions to the promotion of physics education and his sustained efforts in the organisation of impactful competitions, Waldemar Gorzkowski has been honoured with the WFPhC award. His work has left an indelible mark on the global physics community and continues to influence young minds across the globe.
2006 Gunnar Tibell, Sweden
Article from Journal “Physics Competitions”
Gunnar Tibell, Professor Emeritus in high energy physics from the University of Uppsala, Sweden, has been president of the IYPT since 1998. Gunnar Tibell has been very active in many international organizations like the European Physical Society and has especially been active in the field of education as Chairman of the Pre-university Section Board of the EPS.
2004 Gunter Lind, Germany
Gunter Lind has been a driving force behind the promotion of physics education and international collaboration in physics competitions. As a dedicated organiser and leader, he played a key role in shaping the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) and other initiatives aimed at fostering young talent in physics. His meticulous organisational skills, commitment to fairness, and passion for science education have set a benchmark for excellence in academic competitions.