The British Vacuum Council Junior Prize comprises an award made in memory of C R Burch, a distinguished British scientist, and the BVC Medal. The Burch award is a cash prize of £300.
The Prize is intended to encourage scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers who carry out outstanding work in the field of vacuum science, surface science, thin films, or any related topic in which vacuum science and engineering play in important role. Nominees should be within ten years of receiving their first degree at the end of the calendar year in which the nomination is made. Awards may be made to non graduates whom the prize committee considers to be at an equivalent stage of their career. Candidates should normally be resident in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland
The Prize is normally based on published work and will usually be presented at a suitable scientific meeting organised either by the Council itself or by or on behalf of one of its constituent bodies.