Media Advisory 07-035
Call for National Medal of Science Nominations

Highest honor for American scientists and engineers; deadline is Dec. 7, 2007

National Medal of Science Credit and Larger Version

November 26, 2007

The National Science Foundation (NSF) will accept applications for the National Medal of Science until Dec. 7, 2007. Established by Congress in 1959, the National Medal of Science is the Nation's highest honor for American scientists and engineers presented annually by the President of the United States.

The National Medal of Science is presented to individuals deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the biological, engineering, mathematical, physical or social and behavioral sciences. The selection process is managed by the NSF.

Since its establishment, the Medal has been awarded to 441 distinguished scientists and engineers whose careers spanned decades of research and development. The laureates have made major impacts in fields of science and engineering through career-long, ground-breaking achievements in the disciplines for which the awards are given. The Medal also recognizes contributions to innovation, industry or education.

Eligible candidates must be living U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have applied for citizenship within the past 12 months. NSF encourages diverse, high quality nominations for the 2008 Medals. More detailed eligibility criteria and the nomination guidelines are available at www.nsf.gov/od/nms/medal.jsp.

Information on past recipients is also available at www.nsf.gov/od/nms/recipients.cfm.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Lisa-Joy Zgorski, NSF (703) 292-8311 lisajoy@nsf.gov

Program Contacts
Mayra N. Montrose, NSF (703) 292-4757 mmontros@nsf.gov

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, with an annual budget of $6.06 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 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.

Useful NSF Web Sites:
NSF Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov
NSF News: http://www.nsf.gov/news/
For the News Media: http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsroom.jsp
Science and Engineering Statistics: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/
Awards Searches: http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/