Feynman Prize Guidelines
Criteria for the Prize
The Richard P. Feynman Prize in teaching is to be awarded annually to a professor who demonstrates unusual talent, creativity, innovation, and an ability to create an inclusive learning environment in undergraduate and graduate classroom or laboratory teaching.
Origin of the Prize
Established in 1993, the annual prize is made possible by a gift of endowment by Ione and Robert E. Paradise, with additional contributions from an anonymous local couple, in appreciation of Richard Feynman's contributions to excellent teaching.
Terms of the Prize
The prize consists of a cash award of $3,500, matched by an equivalent raise in the annual salary of the awardee.
Eligibility
All tenure-track and tenured professorial faculty of the Institute are eligible.
Nominations for the Prize
Announcements inviting nominations for the prize are made at the beginning of the fall term. Nominations for the 2023-24 Feynman Prize may be made by any member of the Caltech community, including faculty, students, postdoctoral scholars, alumni, and staff. Nomination packages should include a letter of nomination of no more than 750 words with up to five additional letters from students and colleagues of no more than 500 words. Supporting material, such as a curriculum vitae and course syllabus or description, can also be included.
Re-nominations
Re-nominations should conform to the guidelines for nominations. Nominees not selected in a given year will be considered part of the nomination pool for each of the following two years. Consideration of a nominee after three years will require re-nomination.
Selection
Selection of the recipient will be made by a committee appointed by the Provost. The committee chair and members will be rotated frequently in order to ensure broad representation across the Institute. The committee will consist of at least three professorial faculty, and one representative each from the undergraduate student body and the graduate student body. The vice provost will serve as an ex-officio member of the committee unless a designee is appointed.
Presentation of the Prize
The Feynman Prize will be presented at a regular meeting of the Caltech faculty in the second term. In addition, the awardee will be honored at a small celebratory dinner or other suitable event with a few colleagues and members of the administration, and the donors of the prize.
