National Medal of Science

The National Medal of Science was established by the 86th Congress in 1959 as a presidential award to be given to individuals "deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, or engineering sciences." In 1980, Congress expanded this recognition to include the social and behavioral sciences. A committee of 12 scientists and engineers is appointed by the president to evaluate the nominees for the award.

Since its establishment, the National Medal of Science has been awarded to 409 distinguished scientists and engineers whose careers spanned decades of research and development. The recipients database from 1962 to the present can be searched at http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/nms/recipients.cfm.

Nomination procedures
The following information should be used in preparing a nomination.

Criteria
The Committee has established the following guidelines for selection of candidates:

(a) The total impact of an individual's work on the present state of physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and behavioral sciences is to be the principal criterion.

(b) Achievements of an unusually significant nature in relation to the potential effects of such achievements on the development of scientific thought.

(c) Unusually distinguished service in the general advancement of science and engineering, when accompanied by substantial contributions to the content of science at some time.

(d) Recognition by peers within the scientific community

(e) Contributions to innovation and industry

(f) Influence on education through publications, students, etc.

(g) Must be a living U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has applied for citizenship within the past 12 months.

Nomination procedures
All nominations and letters of support shall be submitted through the NSF Fastlane Honorary Awards at www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/. Users of the Honorary Awards system must register the first time they access the program.

Nominations remain active for a period of three years, including the year of nomination. After that time, candidates must be renominated with a new nomination package for them to be considered by the Committee.

Letters of support
Nominators are responsible for securing three letters in support of the candidate's nomination.

Letters shall be submitted independent of the nomination through www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/

Criteria and nomination procedures are at www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/.

Inquiries
For more information about the award program or nomination process, contact:
Mrs. Susan Fannoney
Program Manager
National Medal of Science Committee
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1225
Arlington, VA 22230
Email: sfannone@nsf.gov or nms@nsf.gov
Phone: 703-292-8096
Fax: 703-292-9008