The Denver X-ray Conference Advisory Committee established the Birks Award in 1986 to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of X-ray spectrometry. The award was named in honor of L. S. (Verne) Birks for his many contributions to the X-ray analysis field. Presented biennially, usually in even numbered calendar years, the award is made possible through the generosity of the companies and organizations that exhibit their products at the Denver X-ray Conference.

Selection Process 
The Birks Award Committee consists of three members (including the Chair); two of the three members are members of the Denver X-ray Conference Organizing Committee (DXCOC).

Each member of the award committee may select as many as three candidates for the award. Each committee member assigns a point value to each candidate, based on his or her selection as first, second, or third choice. The candidate who receives the highest amount of points will receive the award.

Award Presentation 
The Birks Award is presented at the Plenary Session of the Denver X-ray Conference. It consists of a commemorative plaque, detailing the recipient’s scientific achievements and contributions to the field of X-ray spectrometry, and a gift of $1,000.

Submission Process
1. Electronic: Candidates may be submitted to the Chairman of the DXC Award Committee by completing a DXC Awards Nomination Form. In addition to the nomination form, the candidate's curriculum vitae must be sent via email to awards@icdd.com or by mail or fax using the contact information below.

2. Hardcopy: Alternatively, candidates may be submitted to the Chairman of the Selection Committee by mailing a letter of support describing the candidate's major accomplishments relative to the award, signed by the nominator and two others, along with the candidate's curriculum vitae to:

Chairman, DXC Awards Selection Committee
c/o Terry Maguire
International Centre for Diffraction Data
12 Campus Boulevard
Newtown Square, PA 19073-3273 U.S.A.
Fax: 610.325-9823
E-mail: info@icdd.com

Submission Deadline
Submissions must be made by 1 October for the next year's award.

Recipients