In honor of the many significant contributions to alternative science, the NPA will present its Third Annual Sagnac Award in 2011 to three deserving scientists. Any individual whose lifetime work contributes substantially to science or technology outside the confines of mainstream paradigms could be eligible for the Sagnac Award, regardless of nationality or educational background. The award namesake, French physicist Georges Sagnac (1869-1926), was an associate of Nobelists Pierre and Marie Curie, Jean Perrin and Paul Langevin at the Sorbonne in Paris. Sagnac conducted experiments in 1913 demonstrating a net difference between light paths moving in opposite directions on a rotating platform. Many alternative scientists believe his 'Sagnac Effect' challenges the theories of Sagnac's contemporary, Albert Einstein. Yet in spite of its challenge and repeatability, Sagnac's experiment receives only passing mention, if any, in physics textbooks, and little is known about Sagnac himself. So just as Sagnac was not recognized for his major contributions, the Sagnac Award is intended to honor those unsung heroes making largely unrecognized, but significant contributions to science today.
The Award, designed by Greg Volk and David de Hilster, features three interlocking rings to symbolize matter circulating in closed loops, a possible ring model for the electron as proposed by Alfred Parson, Arthur Compton and other early 20th century scientists.
Previous Awards
