I really hate awards. Every community has their awards. It is like the rich donate the rich. I love my works, most time it is fun to do physics and I do not see why my work should be superior, when compared to the work of others. However, I got a nomination for the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Prize.
They wrote: “[…] On behalf of Prof. Amiel Sternberg and Prof. Shimon Yankielowicz, the prize coordinators, it gives me pleasure to inform you about the nomination for the 2012 Raymond and Beverly Sackler Prize in the Physical Sciences, Physics.
The research field is entitled: Observational or theoretical achievements in the study of extra-solar planets. The prize is intended for young scientists and the age limit is 40 (nominee’s birth date must be after March 15, 1971). The prize will be awarded in June 2012 during Tel Aviv University’s Board of Governors meeting. […]”
Yes, I do some research in the field of extra-solar planets, but I do not expected to win this award. Nevertheless, the winner will receive $100.000, which is enough to fund one to two PhD students of my working group.