The British Vacuum Council Senior Prize and the John Yarwood Memorial Medal are awarded annually based on nominations submitted to the BVC. The award will be made to a person or persons of international standing who has made a distingusihed contribution to British Research in the fields of vacuum science, surface science, thin films or in any related topic in which vacuum science, engineering or technology plays an important role.
Recipients are not restricted to persons normally resident in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, although the Council is especially pleased to receive nominations for such persons. The work for which the award is made must, however, have either been carried out in Britain or in association with other persons working in Britain. For these purposes, "Britain" is taken to mean the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The Prize is normally presented at a suitable scientific meeting organised either by the Council itself or by or on behalf of one of its constituent bodies. It is normal for the recipient to be invited to deliver a lecture, designated the British Vacuum Council Address, at that meeting.
The Prize comprizes a cash award and the John Yarwood Memorial Medal.