Call for Nominations: 2012 National Science Board Honorary Awards

Deadline for honorary award nominations is Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at 11:59 p.m.

Nominations are open for the Vannevar Bush Award and the Public Service Award.

The National Science Board (NSB) is seeking nominations for its 2012 Vannevar Bush Award and its 2012 Public Service Award. Nominations are due by Wednesday, November 2, 2011. Details about each award and the nomination process are below.

2012 Vannevar Bush Award

Honoring Lifelong Leadership in Science and Technology and Contributions to the Nation through Public Service

The Vannevar Bush Award is awarded annually to exceptional lifelong leaders in science and technology who have made substantial contributions to the welfare of the Nation through public service activities in science, technology and public policy.

Candidates for the Vannevar Bush Award must be U.S. citizens and should have demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment in meeting at least two of the following selection criteria: distinguished him/herself through public service activities in science and technology; pioneered the exploration, charting, and settlement of new frontiers in science, technology, education and public service; demonstrated leadership and creativity that have inspired others to distinguished careers in science and technology; contributed to the welfare of the Nation and mankind through activities in science and technology; and/or demonstrated leadership and creativity that has helped mold the history of advancements in the Nation’s science, technology, and education.

Recent recipients include: Charles M. Vest, President of the National Academy of Engineering and President Emeritus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Bruce Alberts, Editor-in-Chief, Science Magazine; Mildred Dresselhaus, Institute Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Norman Augustine, former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Lockheed Martin Corporation. For a list of past recipients of this award, visit the Vannevar Bush Award Recipients on the NSB website: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/bush_recipients.jsp

For detailed nomination instructions and further information about this award, visit the Vannevar Bush Award on the NSB website: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/bush.jsp


2012 National Science Board Public Service Award

Honoring Service in Public Understanding of Science and Engineering

The National Science Board Public Service Award honors individuals and groups that have made substantial contributions to increasing public understanding of science and engineering in the United States. These contributions may be in a wide variety of areas that have the potential of contributing to public understanding of and appreciation for science and engineering--including mass media, education and/or training programs, and entertainment.

The NSB Public Service Award is typically given to one individual and one group (company, corporation or organization) each year. Members of the U.S. Government are not eligible to receive the award.

Candidates for the NSB Public Service Award should have demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment in meeting the following selection criteria: increased the public’s understanding of the processes of science and engineering through scientific discovery, innovation and its communication to the public; encouraged others to help raise the public understanding of science and technology; promoted the engagement of scientists and engineers in public outreach and scientific literacy; contributed to the development of broad science and engineering policy and its support; influenced and encouraged the next generation of scientists and engineers; achieved broad recognition outside of the candidate’s area of specialization; and fostered awareness of science and technology among broad segments of the population.

Past recipients include Moira Gunn, host of “Tech Nation;” San Francisco’s Exploratorium; NUMB3RS, the CBS television drama series; Ira Flatow, Host and Executive Producer of NPR’s “Science Friday;” Alfred P. Sloan Foundation; Bill Nye, the Science Guy; and NOVA, the PBS television series. For a list of past recipients of this award, visit the Public Service Award Recipients on the NSB website: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/public_recipients.jsp


For detailed nomination instructions and further information about this award, visit the Public Service Award on the NSB website: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/public.jsp


The National Science Board is the 25-member policymaking body for the National Science Foundation and advisory body to the President and Congress on science and engineering issues. For more information on the National Science Board and its current Members, visit the NSB website: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/


The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2011, its budget is about $6.9 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives over 45,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.