The Council has two prizes within its gift, which are normally awarded annually
Each year the Council seeks nominations for the British Vacuum Council Senior Prize, with which is associated the John Yarwood Memorial Medal. The prize is awarded for distinguished contributions to British scientific research in the fields of vacuum science, surface science, thin films or any related topic in which vacuum science and engineering play an important role.
The John Yarwood Memorial Medal, established to honour the memory of Professor John Yarwood (an international figure in the field of vacuum physics and a founder member of the British Vacuum Council).
The prizewinner is normally invited to deliver the BVC Annual Address at a suitable conference or meeting.
The Council seeks 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
Prizewinners are awarded the Junior Prize which comprises the C R Burch Prize and the BVC Medal.
It should be noted that the BVC prizes were rescoped in 2003 and 2008