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Max Klein Memorial Award

The Max Klein Memorial Award is established by the University of Liverpool, together with a network of leading international laboratories, DESY (Hamburg and Zeuthen), CERN, Orsay (Paris), Nikhef (Amsterdam), and Daresbury Laboratory (UK), in memory of Professor Max Klein, a pioneer of accelerator and particle physics whose career left an enduring mark on European and global science.

Max Klein’s contributions covered a wide range of high energy collider physics, notably  from deep-inelastic electron-hadron scattering, electroweak physics and their close links to accelerator and detector developments. He led major research activities at HERA, CERN and at the LHC’s ATLAS collaboration. Max was widely admired for his diplomatic skills and integrative approaches. He was a dedicated team player, teacher and mentor who bridged many disciplines while building international partnerships.

A closeup image of Max Klein smiling

Purpose and Vision

The award celebrates outstanding contributions to research at the interface of accelerator and particle physics. Reflecting Max Klein’s commitment to international collaboration and education, the award promotes the dissemination of advanced scientific exchange of novel ideas across fields, generations, and borders. The recipient is expected to initiate seedcorn ideas for new research collaborations via a short stay at one of the participating institutions, and will contribute in advanced scholarly and public engagement activities.

Eligibility

The award is open to established or emerging researchers — including senior or early career researchers and academics — whose work exemplifies excellence in both fundamental and technological aspects of accelerator or particle physics. Nominees should demonstrate the potential for scientific leadership and a commitment to interdisciplinary exchange and outreach.

Award Structure

The award is bestowed every 1 to 2 years and includes:

  • An award of £3,000.
  • Short visits (1–2 weeks) to one of the partner institutions (excluding CERN), supported by in-kind contributions (e.g. travel and accommodation), to promote the establishment of collaborations and dissemination.

The University of Liverpool administers the award and serves as its central hub. The Max Klein memorial award is initially funded for a five-year cycle. It is funded from the proceeds of donations collected in 2024 in connection with Max Klein’s death, and contributions from the network of international laboratories. It is further supported by other non-profit institutional contributions and private donations, see information below.

Award Process

  • Nominations open annually in January
  • Candidates may be nominated by academic peers or institutions; self-nominations are also accepted.
  • The nomination must contain the following application documents: a CV, a short research statement (400 words), and a proposed plan for scientific objectives including the establishment of long lasting collaborations, lectures and visits (400 words). Two supporting references are also required.
  • Selection is made by a panel coordinated by Liverpool, with representatives from partner labs and members at large from the international community.

The award is announced in May with activities occurring in the following 12 months including a closing presentation at the next awards ceremony.

To help us continue the spirit and purpose of this award, we welcome donations of whatever amount you wish via the following two ways using the reference ‘In memory of Professor Max Klein’ or ‘Max Klein award’:

  1. For European citizens, please follow this link
    https://donate.giving.eu/landing/Liverpool?lang=en_EN
    Click on your country and select the ‘In memory of Professor Max Klein’ allocation.
  2. For non-European citizens (e.g. UK, USA, Canada), please get the bank details from

Emma Kane (she/her)
Development Manager
Development and Alumni Relations

T: +44 (0)7442 843279
External Relations
University of Liverpool, Foundation Building, 765 Brownlow Hill, L69 7ZX

For any question regarding  donations, please also contact Emma Kane <Emma.Kane@liverpool.ac.uk>