Society of Physics Students

Scholarships – Deadline March 15th

NEW – SPS Google Scholarship

  • Up to twenty, $2,500 scholarships may be awarded
  • For undergraduate students with the potential and intention for continued scholastic success who are in financial need. Consideration is given to those that may have overcome significant obstacles in their professional journey. This scholarship is supported by Google

Jocelyn Bell Burnell & SPS Leadership Scholarships

  • Awarded to undergraduate physics students based on scholarship, SPS/club participation, and additional criteria specific to each scholarship
  • Multiple scholarships available for $2000-$6000

SPS Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award

  • Provided to students based on exceptional research achievement in any physics- and astronomy-related field
  • Up to $2,000 provided to attend one AIP member society meeting and a $500 honorarium for the student and $500 for the SPS chapter

SPS Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award

  • Awarded based on leadership, student leadership development, support, and encouragement the advisor has provided to the chapter; Must have received an Outstanding Chapter Award within the past two years
  • Awarded $6000 divided between the recipient, SPS chapter, and department

JURP – Deadline March 15th

The Journal of Undergraduate Reports in Physics   (JURP) is an annual peer-reviewed publication of SPS which publicly disseminates the research of our undergraduate SPS members. Papers in pure, applied, computational, and/or theoretical physics and astronomy are eligible for submission.  Submit your research today!

SPS Travel, Reporter, and Research Awards

There are some great scientific meetings coming up this spring and summer like APS MarchAPS AprilAAS, and AAPT! SPS members have an opportunity to apply for the SPS Travel Award of $300 to present their research at one of AIP’s member society meetings. Additionally, students may apply for the SPS Reporter Award where they will report on national physics and astronomy meetings which can potentially be featured in one of the SPS publications, such as the SPS Observer!  You can apply for SPS Reporter awards as an individual and receive $300 or as a chapter (3 students max per chapter award) and receive up to $750 total.

Run for SPS Council – Nominations close February 22nd

The SPS Council is the main governing body for the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma. The council composition was designed carefully with the student voice in mind. Be the voice of your region and help students across the globe! Nominations are being accepted for the following positions on the SPS National Council (you can self-nominate):

  • Associate Zone Councilors (undergraduate students) for all 18 Zones (1-year terms)
  • Zone Councilors (faculty) for Zones 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 13, and 14 (3-year terms)

Visit here if you’d like to nominate someone or yourself for the SPS Council 2023-2024! For position descriptions and duties,  visit here.

Sigma Pi Sigma

Spring is a popular time for Sigma Pi Sigma chapters to welcome new members through induction ceremonies.  We encourage you to reach out to Sigma Pi Sigma chapters in your zone that have charters but haven’t been active recently to consider making 2023 their comeback year! Additionally, induction is a great opportunity for chapters to invite alumni. Details on the induction process and resources are available on the Sigma Pi Sigma website. Contact our office at sigmapisigma@aip.org or 301-209-3007 if you need more information.