The Prizes awarded by the IPPA, a non-profit association incorporated in North America with headquarters in Toronto, Canada, are aimed at recognizing and honoring scientists, engineers and medical professionals who have made significant and impactful contributions to the field of Photoacoustic, Photothermal and Diffusion-Wave Sciences and Associated Technologies.
Since 2009 three IPPA Prizes have been awarded biennially during the International Conference on Photoacoustic and Photothermal Phenomena (ICPPP). They are approved by the Selection Committee at any given two-year period leading to an upcoming ICPPP. Two prizes are awarded to nominated outstanding senior scientists (over the age of 40), and another prize is awarded to a candidate under the age of 40. One of the senior prizes is from an endowment in memory of James Smith. It is designated the IPPA James Smith Prize.
The prizes are awarded for single outstanding contributions or sustained contributions made over a number of years. In the case of young researchers, the prize will be awarded for exceptional promise for future leadership in the field, based on their early contributions. The prizes are awarded from community recommendations and nominations, irrespective of the country, race, or sex of the candidates.