Award in honour of John Archibald Wheeler, a leading figure in the Renaissance of General Relativity
The American physicist John Archibald Wheeler (1911–2008) was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century physics. His work made a decisive contribution to the development of nuclear physics, general relativity and quantum gravity. Throughout his career, he collaborated with many leading scientists and mentored numerous students who would go on to become leading figures in modern physics.
In the years following Albert Einstein’s formulation of the theory of general relativity, the scientific community’s interest in gravitation waned considerably. For several decades, relativity remained a relatively marginal field of physics research. However, from the mid-20th century onwards, this situation changed radically: there was, in fact, a resurgence in relativistic studies, leading to significant theoretical and observational advances.
Wheeler played a central role in this scientific renaissance. Through his research and teaching, he helped to foster a new generation of scholars who laid the foundations of modern relativistic astrophysics. Among the topics addressed were the study of black holes, the structure of space-time, and issues relating to the quantisation of gravity. It was in this context that the idea arose to establish an international prize in Wheeler’s memory.
The award aims to honour scientists who have made a significant contribution to the development of general relativity, gravitation and related fields of science.
The first Wheeler Prize was awarded in 2020. The winners belong to three research groups that have played a pivotal role in the revival of relativistic studies and the development of modern research into gravity. Their work has helped to clarify fundamental aspects of Einstein’s theory and to open up new perspectives in the study of the universe. The prize therefore recognises not only the scientific achievements attained, but also the research tradition that has brought general relativity back to the centre of contemporary physics. This award is intended to highlight the importance of Wheeler’s scientific legacy and his contribution to our understanding of the structure of the universe.
The John Archibald Wheeler Prize ceremony at the Italian Space Agency on May 30, 2022. From left: Antonio Paolozzi (Sapienza University), Sergei Kopeikin (Missouri University), Richard Matzner (University of Texas at Austin), Vahe Gurzadyan (Yerevan University), Ignazio Ciufolini (Centro Fermi), Kip Thorne (Caltech, Nobel Prize in Physics 2017), Igor Novikov (Lebedev Institute), Roger Penrose (University of Cambridge, Nobel Prize in Physics 2020), Paul Davies (Arizona State University) and the president of ASI Giorgio Saccoccia; seated Agostino Neri (ESA).
Winners of the John Archibald Wheeler Prize
2020 - First Edition
(the ceremony was postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
Kip S. Thorne
For his fundamental contributions to the theory and observations of black holes, to the direct measurement of gravitational waves and to the development of the Renaissance of General Relativity as a basic tool for the study of the universe.
Per i suoi contributi fondamentali alla teoria e all’osservazione dei buchi neri, alla misurazione diretta delle onde gravitazionali e alla rinascita della relatività generale come strumento fondamentale per lo studio dell’universo.
Roger Penrose
For his fundamental contributions to the theory of black holes and cosmology, to the formation of singularities inside black holes and to the development of the Renaissance of General Relativity as a basic tool for the study of the universe.
Per i suoi contributi fondamentali alla teoria dei buchi neri e alla cosmologia, allo studio della formazione delle singolarità all’interno dei buchi neri e allo sviluppo della rinascita della relatività generale come strumento fondamentale per lo studio dell’universo.
Igor D. Novikov
For his fundamental contributions to the theory of black holes and cosmology, to the prediction of X-ray emission near a black hole and to the development of the Renaissance of General Relativity as a basic tool for the study of the universe.
Per i suoi contributi fondamentali alla teoria dei buchi neri e alla cosmologia, alla previsione dell’emissione di raggi X in prossimità di un buco nero e allo sviluppo della rinascita della relatività generale come strumento fondamentale per lo studio dell’universo.