Nominations Sought for Vannevar Bush & Public Service Awards

The following is adapted from a National Science Board press release:

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NSB’s Vannevar Bush Award is named after the gifted visionary and dynamic public servant who was behind the creation of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The award honors life-long leaders who have made exceptional contributions toward the welfare of humankind and the nation through public-service activities in science, technology, and public policy.

Candidates for the Vannevar Bush award must be US citizens and 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 inspired others to distinguished careers in science and technology;
• Contributed to the welfare of the nation and humankind through activities in science and technology;
• Demonstrated leadership and creativity that has helped mold the history of advancements in the nation’s science, technology, and education.

Past recipients include former Lockheed Martin CEO Norman Augustine, former science advisor and NSF director Neal Lane, and former Carnegie Institution president Maxine Singer. All recipients are listed on the NSB website.

Nomination instructions are available on the Vannevar Bush Award webpage.

The Public Service Award honors individuals and groups for substantial contributions to increasing public understanding of science and engineering in the United States. These contributions may be in a wide variety of areas, including mass media, social media, education, training programs, and entertainment.

NSB typically bestows two public-service awards each year: one to an individual and one to a company, corporation, or organization. Members of the US government are not eligible to receive the award.

Candidates should have demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishment in meeting the following selection criteria:

• Increased public understanding of science and engineering processes through discovery, innovation, and public communication;
• Encouraged others to raise public understanding of science and technology;
• Promoted engagement of scientists and engineers in public outreach and scientific literacy;
• Contributed to the development and support of broad science and engineering policy;
• Influenced and encouraged the next generation of scientists and engineers;
• Achieved broad recognition outside of the candidate’s area of specialization;
• Fostered awareness of science and technology among broad segments of the population.

Moira Gunn, Host of Tech Nation; Craig Barrett, Intel Corporation; and the PBS series NOVA are all past awardees. A complete list of recipients, as well as nomination instructions, can be found on the award webpage.

The National Science Board (NSB) is the policymaking body for the National Science Foundation. NSB also advises the President and Congress on science and engineering policy issues. The Board’s 24 members are drawn primarily from universities and industry and represent a variety of science and engineering disciplines. Selected for their eminence in research, education, or public service and records of distinguished service, Board members serve six-year terms. NSF’s director is an ex officio 25th member of the Board.

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) 2014, its budget is $7.2 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities, and other institutions. Each year NSF receives about 50,000 competitive requests for funding and makes about 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards about $593 million in professional and service contracts yearly.