The Berni J. Alder CECAM Prize recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of microscopic simulation of matter, and is the most prestigious European prize for computer simulations in condensed matter physics/chemistry, statistical physics and physical chemistry.
Professor Hansen was among the first to demonstrate the power of computer simulation as a reliable test-bed for simple theories that can be used to understand complicated phenomena. He has used simulation to probe the freezing of liquids and the structure and dynamics of charged fluids and plasmas. He has validated integral equation theories of strongly coupled fluids by appeal to simulation. He has also made important contributions to the field of charged and neutral colloids through this approach.
The prize will be awarded during CCP2013, to be held in Moscow, Russian Federation, August 20-24, 2013. The 5000 Euros prize, awarded every three years, was originally created in 1999.