To honor the physicist, inventor and entrepreneur, Euromar and ICMRBS set up the Russell Varian Prize. A group of anonymous donors have revived this award as the Varian Young Investigator Award and it is now presented biennially at the ENC in odd-numbered years . The recipient receives a prize of $5,000, commemoratlve plaque, and presents a 20-minute talk at the meeting.

2025 RecipienT

Danila Barskiy

Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science
Department of Chemistry, University of Miami

Dr. Danila Barskiy is recognized for his contributions to hyperpolarization and zero- to ultralow-field (ZULF) NMR. He advanced the Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE) technique to high magnetic fields and broadened its range of applications. He also reported the formation of hyperpolarized orthohydrogen, developed an analytical model of SABRE, and introduced rapid catalyst-capture technology for PHIP/SABRE polarizers.

As an independent group leader, his work in ZULF NMR includes relayed hyperpolarization for ZULF NMR, precision spin-coupling metrology via J-spectroscopy, development of ZULF NMR tools with applications in agriculture, and the detection and hyperpolarization of quadrupolar nuclei.

Dr. Barskiy’s research reflects the continuing evolution of NMR techniques and their growing relevance across chemistry, physics, and related areas.

Nomination Deadline is January 1, 2027

About
Russell Varian

After training with Philo Farnsworth, Russell Varian invented the Klystron in 1937, a novel device for the generation of microwave radiation. Being light enough to be carried in aircraft, the Klystron enabled all-weather radar and played a vital role in WW-II at the battle of Britain and the Battle of the Atlantic. In 1948, Russell and his brother, Sigurd, founded Varian Associates, a pioneering high-tech company in what became Silicon Valley. Besides being a brilliant innovator, Russell Varian was a socialist-leaning libertarian, a member of the ACLU and the Sierra Club. He died in 1959 while scouting Alaska for the setting of a new National Park.

Donations to fund the biennial award at the ENC are considered tax-deductible in the US as the ENC is recognized as a 501(c)3 organization by the IRS.

VYIA Past Recipients