Medals and Awards

Physics Forums Medals and Gurus

Physics Forums awards various types of medals to members for showing ability or dedication in a given area. These different awards are described below.

There are several different medals or rankings a member can achieve while being an active part of Physics Forums. Each medal has different requirements that must be fulfilled. The different medals/"rankings" a member can have on PF are:

Normal Member

This is not very hard to achieve. It involves signing up for free. Do it today!

PF Contributor Medal

These members are also known as "Gold Members" due to their names being displayed in gold in the forums. To obtain this medal, a member must contribute a donation that goes towards running the site. If you enjoy PF and wish to contribute, you may do so by clicking the "Upgrade" button at the top of the page. Other benefits these members get, along with the medal and gold name, include:

• No ads
• Ability to set themselves invisible
• Custom title
• Ability to have a signature
• Avatars
• Profile photo
• 200 PM limit
• Ability to view who's online
• User notes
• Boolean searching

Homework Helper Medal

This is the first of the PF merit-awarded medals discussed here. As such, it entails responsibility beyond that of the average poster. To be recognized as a Homework Helper, a member must:

1. Give correct and reliable help to students in the homework help forums of the site.
2. Help in the homework forums regularly whenever they are able.
3. Be a regular and "established" member of PF (meaning they show that their contributions will most likely continue in the future — they are not likely to disappear on a whim and never help again).

Members are nominated by current homework helpers and mentors. The medals are then awarded by the administrator, Greg Bernhardt. Due to the amount of effort homework helpers devote to keeping the homework sections of PF running smoothly and efficiently, they are listed under the "Staff" link at the top of any PF page along with Science Advisors, Mentors, and Administrators. Homework helpers also, from time to time, participate in policy/structure discussions.

Science Advisor Medal

The Science Advisor medal is also a merit-awarded medal, and it entails responsibility beyond that of the average poster. To be considered for a Science Advisor medal, a member must:

1. Offer reliably correct explanations for scientific questions posed in the various forums of PF. Science Advisor medals are awarded to members who have demonstrated unmistakable expertise in a certain field of science discussed on PF.
2. Help other members understand their field of expertise a little better through their postings.
3. Be a regular and "established" member of PF (same meaning as above).

Members are nominated by current Science Advisors and mentors. The medals are then awarded by the administrator, Greg Bernhardt. Due to the amount of effort Science Advisors devote to keeping high-quality scientific discussions on PF, they are listed under the "Staff" link at the top of any PF page along with Homework Helpers, Mentors, and Administrators. Science Advisors also, from time to time, participate in policy/structure discussions.

Guru Plaque

Every year, around December, PF members (of any level) vote for members who have been nominated by mentors for excelling in different areas. The winner of the poll for each category receives the "Guru" plaque for that category, which they keep until the following year's voting begins again. Guru plaques are awarded every year in the following categories:

• Physics
• Astronomy/Cosmology
• Mathematics
• Engineering
• Technology
• Other Sciences
• Homework Helping
• Community Spirit
• Newcomer
• Funniest Member

Mentor Rank

A PF mentor is a member who has been chosen by current mentors and administrators for their demonstration of unparalleled commitment to PF, extensive scientific knowledge in a certain field, and perceived ability to effectively moderate discussions on PF and run the day-to-day operations of the community. Mentors help maintain the high-quality scientific discussion that makes PF famous — many are professional scientists and graduate students. Mentors are distinguished by a green name on their posts and a "PF Mentor" label underneath their name. Physics Forums mentors are listed under "Staff" at the top of any PF page.

A list of current mentors can be found here.

Retired Staff Medal

This medal simply denotes past service as a Mentor or Admin.

Administrator Rank

The administrator, Greg Bernhardt, keeps the site running by looking after the technical end of things. Greg also owns Physics Forums.

Current Gurus

Physics

Demystifier

Mathematics

FactChecker

Astro/Cosmo

kimbyd

Engineering

jim hardy

Other Sciences

BillTre

Guidance Counselor

Dr. Courtney

Newcomer

Lord Jestocost

Homework Help

haruspex, Charles Link, PeroK

Community Spirit

Wrichik Basu

Best Humor

Drakkith

Best Insight

"“Classical Physics Is Wrong” Fallacy" by ZapperZ

Insight Writer

fresh_42

Hall of Legends

Orodruin

Guru Roll of Honour

This list recognises those users who have previously been voted Gurus. We congratulate them on their achievement and thank them for their contributions to the community.

Physics

Astronomy & Cosmology

Mathematics

Engineering

Other Sciences¹

Homework Helper

Guidance Counselor Award

Community Spirit

Newcomer

Best Humor²

Best Insight Article

Insights Writer

Hall of Legends³

Previous award categories

Nuclear Engineering

Chemistry⁴

Biology⁴

Technology⁴

Philosophy⁵

Crackpot of the Year⁶

Best Thread of the Year⁶

Notes

1. Formerly 'Biology & Chemistry', now includes all other sciences.
2. Formerly 'Funniest Member'.
3. A vote among all winners of the previous year, as they are not eligible in other categories.
4. Combined into 'Other Sciences' afterwards.
5. Phased out after 2005.
6. Phased out after 2003.