The Nevada Medal was established by the Desert Research Institute in 1988 to acknowledge outstanding achievement in science and engineering. The annual award includes an eight-ounce minted medallion of .999 pure Nevada silver and $20,000 lecture honorarium sponsored by AT&T. The award program involves public lectures by the medalist at DRI campuses in Las Vegas and Reno. The award is formally presented by the Governor of Nevada during dinner ceremonies in Reno and Las Vegas attended by Nevada's business, educational and governmental leaders. Nominations are accepted continuously from universities, private firms, research organizations, professional societies and individuals.