Vannevar Bush Award Recipients
1980-Present
2012 | 2011 | 2010
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990
1989 | 1988 | 1987 | 1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1983 | 1982 | 1981 | 1980
Note: Institutions listed are those with which the recipients were affiliated at the time of the Award.
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2012
Bud Peterson,
Chairman
Committee on Honorary Awards and Member, National Science Board and
Leon Lederman,
Director Emeritus, Fermilab
Press Release
|
"For his extraordinary contributions to understanding the basic forces and particles of nature; science leadership in elementary-particle physics in the U.S., and science statesmanship around the world; and his relentless advocacy for and contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education." |
|
2011
France Córdova,
Chairman
Committee on Honorary Awards and Member, National Science Board
and
Charles M. Vest,
President of the National Academy of Engineering and President Emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Press Release
|
"For tireless and visionary leadership in championing the role of the modern American research university as an innovation engine focused on developing scientific and technological solutions to benefit society, and as a leading voice for strengthening gender and ethnic diversity in higher education." |
|
2010
Ray M. Bowen,
Chairman
National Science Board
and
Bruce M. Alberts
Editor-in-Chief, Science Magazine Professor Emeritus, University of California, San Francisco
Former President, National Academy of Sciences and United States Science Envoy |
"For his dedication to the creativity, openness, and tolerance that define science; passion for improving the human condition; and transformational and inspirational leadership in science education, international capacity building, and the tireless pursuit of a “scientific temperament” for the world." |
|
2009
Kathryn D. Sullivan,
Chairman, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and
Member, National Science Board
and
Mildred Dresselhaus,
Institute Professor and Professor of Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Press Release |
"For her extraordinary contributions to the field of condensed matter and materials physics, especially in nanoscience and carbon science relevant to energy-related applications; for her extensive public service to the scientific community through national leadership and promotion of international collaboration in science; and for her historic role in enlarging opportunities for women in science in the United States and the world." |
|
2008
Norman R. Augustine,
Former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Lockheed Martin Corporation |
"For his distinguished public service leadership in science, engineering and
technology; for his longstanding commitment to the ethical conduct of business and the engineering
profession; and for his extraordinary contributions to the welfare of the nation through his advocacy
of science, technology and engineering education as national priorities." |
|
2007
Shirley Ann Jackson,
President
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
and
Kathryn D. Sullivan,
Chairman, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and
Member, National Science Board
Press Release |
"For exceptional contributions across the frontiers of science and technology,
national science and innovation advocacy, and institutional transformation in education, research,
regulation, and governance." |
|
2006
Raj Reddy, Mozah Bint Nasser University Professor of Computer Science
and Robotics School of Computer Science
Carnegie Mellon University
and
Kenneth M. Ford,
Chairman, Vannevar Bush Award Committee
and Member, National Science Board |
"For his pioneering research in robotics and intelligent systems, and significant
contributions in the formation of national information and telecommunications policy." |
Charles H. Townes, Professor in the Graduate School
University of California, Berkeley
and
Kenneth M. Ford,
Chairman, Vannevar Bush Award Committee
and Member, National Science Board |
"For his notable scientific discoveries and research in the fields of quantum
electronics and astrophysics, and distinguished public service influencing Federal policies on
science and technology issues." |
|
2005
Robert W. Galvin, Chairman and CEO (Retired), Motorola, Inc. and
Kenneth M. Ford, Chair, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and Member,
National Science Board |
"For his visionary leadership to enhance U.S. innovation, competitiveness,
and excellence at the interface of science and technology with the Nation's industrial enterprise.
In the counsels of government, industry, and academe, he unselfishly gave the Nation the benefit
of his knowledge, experience and creative wisdom while leading his company in its great
contribution to the computing and telecommunications transformation of society." |
|
2004
Mary L. Good, Dean for the Donaghey College of Information Science and
Systems Engineering University of Arkansas at Little Rock and
Ray M. Bowen, Chair, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and Member,
National Science Board |
"For her achievements as an educator and industrial research manager. An
extraordinary statesperson, a distinguished public servant, and a remarkable scientist, she has
contributed broadly to the understanding and promotion of the value of science and
technology." |
|
2003
Richard C. Atkinson, President The University of California and
George Langford, Chair, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and Member,
National Science Board |
"For his notable contributions to electrical engineering and
his long-term commitment to the public good as a statesman for science and engineering
policy." |
|
2002
Erich Bloch, The Washington Advisory Group and
George Langford, Chair, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and Member,
National Science Board |
"For his notable contributions to electrical engineering
and his long-term commitment to the public good as a statesman for science and engineering
policy." |
|
2001
Lewis M. Bransomb, JFK School of Government, Harvard University and
George Langford, Chair, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and Member,
National Science Board |
"For his distinguished public service in the development
of U.S. science and technology policy; a scientist, teacher, scholar, business leader and author
who has influenced policies of recent Administrations, he has been an inspiration to students
and colleagues and a valuable asset to the Nation." |
|
Harold Varmus, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and
George Langford, Chair, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and Member,
National Science Board |
"For his research in mechanisms and origin of cancer, his
introduction of intramural and extramural research programs, new leadership and expansion of the
National Institutes of Health, and his continuing leadership in biomedical science." |
|
2000
Herbert F. York, Professor and Director Emeritus, Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation,
University of California, San Diego
Norman Borlaug,Distinguished Professor of International
Agriculture, Texas A&M University and
Eve L. Menger, Chair, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and Member,
National Science Board |
Herbert York: "For valuable contributions through his public service activities in science and technology,
shaping the path toward limiting weapons of mass destruction and calling for peaceful methods of
conflict resolution; his lifelong dedication to inspiring students in science and public service
careers; and founding the Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, one of the Nation's
largest sources of dissertation and fellowship support on international studies in the United
States. He has distinguished himself as a scholar, scientist, diplomat, and public
servant."
Norman Borlaug: "For six decades of pioneering efforts to expand the
world food supply through unprecedented increases in wheat production. His life's work of helping
to feed the hungry in nations remote from the media spotlight produced a decade of improved rice
yields concomitant with a reduction in pesticide use in India. For his participation in the
development of high-yield, low-pesticide dwarf wheat that led to the prevention of famine in many
countries crediting him with saving more lives than any other person who has ever lived; his
training of young farmers and scientists in research and production methods throughout the
developing world, and his continual striving to incorporate modern agricultural technology into
these developing countries." |
|
1999
Maxine Frank Singer, President, Carnegie Institution
of Washington and
M.R.C. Greenwood, Member, National Science Board |
"For her pioneering scientific achievements in molecular
biology; for her role in influencing and refinining the nation's science policy, often in realms
having social, moral, or ethical implications; for her activism and creativity in inaugurating
programs in mathematics and science education for inner city Washington, D.C. school children
and their teachers; and for her willingness to speak out strongly and clearly on science matters
facing society." |
|
1998
Robert M. White, President Emeritus
National Academy of Engineering |
"For his uniquely humane and constructive combination
of scientific knowledge, extraordinary technical vision, superb managerial skill, sense of civic
duty, international leadership, and unsurpassed and sustained energy applied to understanding and
protecting the oceans and atmosphere. As the first administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, as the president of the U.S. national Academy of Engineering, and
most recently as a senior fellow at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, he has
provided sustained, unparalleled leadership in the scientific and technological enterprise of the
nation. Throughout his distinguished career, he has fostered the search for improvement in the
understanding of the environment for the betterment of humankind." |
|
1997
H. Guyford Stever, Chairman Policy Division National Research
Council and
Richard N. Zare, Chair, Vannevar Bush Award and Member, National Science Board |
"For charting with vision, dedication, and valor new
frontiers in science, technology, and public service. As a bench scientist and teacher, his
contributions to seminal scientific research in radar during World War II, and to international
scientific cooperation in radar and guided missiles, helped America and its allies achieve
technical wartime superiority. In the post-war era he continued to exercise unparalleled
leadership in nurturing the Nation's scientific and technical strengths as Chief Scientist of
the Air Force, University President, Science Advisor to two Presidents, Director of the National
Science Foundation and first Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and a
member of the National Science Board.
Throughout his career, he has pioneered the use of science and technology for the benefit
of society and the betterment of the human condition. In the most divisive and controversial
times, he has been our voice of reason, wisdom, and insight--our sage of science." |
|
1996
Phillip H. Abelson, Science Advisor and Editor Emeritus
American Association for the Advancement of Science and
Frank N.R. Rhodes, Chair, National Science Board |
"For his outstanding contributions to science
and technology through public service to the national as a versatile bench scientist,
accomplished research administrator, and one of the leading public commentators on science and
technology in the post-war era. Throughout his career, in all his diverse endeavors, he has
demonstrated the rare gift to discern the significant from the trivial and shared his lifelong
enthusiasm for science and technology. For generations of readers, his editorials in Science
document the progress of discovery, the evolution of our society, and the changing relationship
between the two. His willingness to take controversial positions and stand up to the criticism
that they generate has raised public understanding of the scientific and technological issues
and enriched public policy. A tireless science enthusiast, his legacy is that of an
inquiring mind, a probing intellect, and a great editor." |
|
1995
Norman F. Ramsey, Jr., Higgins Professor of Physics Emeritus
Harvard University |
"For pioneering explorations of new frontiers in
science, technology, and public service. His creativity -- and the profound impact his work
has had throughout science -- is exemplified by his insightful development of precision atomic
and molecular beam spectroscopy leading to remarkable advances in the physics of molecular beams,
particle physics, and precise measurements.
In public service to the Nation few can equal his leadership in science and technology,
which, during World War II and after, has promoted national security and international peace.
An extraordinary teacher, researcher, and scientific leader, his imagination, infectious
enthusiasm and many contributions have immeasurably enriched the lives of his students, his
colleagues, and the Nation as a whole." |
|
1994
Frank Press, President Emeritus National Academy of Sciences
[Billy Press] and
James J. Duderstadt, Chair, Vannevar Bush Award Committee and Member,
National Science Board |
"For pioneering with vision, boldness, and drive
the settlement of new frontiers in science; for advancing mankind's welfare through his efforts
on behalf of natural hazard mitigation, arms control, and human rights; and for providing
inspired national and international leadership in science and technology policy making and
education. As a university geophysicist, he made seminal contributions in seismology, increasing
our knowledge of nature and then applying his understanding to the challenges of earthquake
prediction and arms control. For more than three decades, he has served as an advisor to U.S.
Presidents and the federal government. An articulate national and international statesman for
science and technology, he has improved the processes of governance and decision-making for
the support of research, development, and education. His work has helped protect the planet
from the destructive powers of both nature and man. A modest man, his accomplishments speak
for themselves and are a lasting tribute to his selfless public service." |
|
1993 [no photo available]
Norman Hackerman, Chairman Scientific Advisory Board
The Robert A. Welch Foundation |
"For his vision, boldness, and dedication
in exploring new frontiers of science and engineering, technology, and education; advancing the
welfare of the nation and mankind through public service, leadership, and creativity in science
and technology. As president of two universities, he advanced both private and public university
research and education. He has been generous with his time and talent, taking a broad
leadership role in the growth of the national science and technology enterprise over the last
five decades. As a scientist, he has contributed to the understanding of corrosion inhibition,
metals oxidation and reduction, electrochemistry and passivity; he has participated actively in
the organizations of his disciplinary community and in the dissemination of new knowledge;
finally, as a scientist and academic leader, he has contributed at both national and state
levels to the structures that bind the community of science and technology across academic,
non-profit, government and industrial sectors. A compassionate, effective leader, he has been
a strong force in the growth and vitality of American science and technology since World
War II." |
|
1992 [no photo available]
Jerome B. Wiesner, President Emeritus Massachusetts Institute
of Technology |
"For pioneering with vision, boldness and drive, the
exploration, mapping, and settlement of new frontiers in research, education and public service.
As a humanist-engineer, he helped transform the information and communications sciences
by grasping the essential fusion of their technical and social dimensions. As leader of an
already great university, he demonstrated that even greater vistas were obtainable through
the union of superb research and inspired teaching. As Presidential Science Advisor, he made
enduring contributions to both science and government, while redefining and expanding the
concept of the advisory function itself. A man of wit, prescience and the courage of
his convictions, he is a prophet recognized throughout the world, and in his own country,
for his dedication to the ideals of research in the service of humanity on a world-wide
basis." |
|
1991 [no photo available]
James A. Van Allen, Regent Distinguished Professor of Physics
The University of Iowa |
" For pioneering with vision, boldness and drive, the
discovery and exploration of new frontiers in space science. As a charter member of the Johns
Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, he helped translate a bold but uncertain concept into a
reliable staple of his country's defense capability; as chairman of the post-war Upper Atmosphere
Rocket Research Panel, he was instrumental in the transformation of space science from an
arcane field into an activity of high national significance and visibility; as an eminent
advocate of satellite missions to the outer planets, he demonstrated the power inherent in the
union of human imagination and scientific rigor. A self-effacing man, his career as scientist
and mentor reflects the virtues of hard work, frugality, and devotion to education that were
instilled into him by his pioneer family during his formative years." |
|
1990
No award presented. |
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1989 [no photo available]
Linus Pauling, Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine |
" For pioneering with vision, boldness, and drive,
the exploration and settlement of new frontiers in science, education, and social consciousness.
Lifelong advocate of the intrinsic unity of science, his grasp of the new physics established
the basis for a new chemistry; bold extrapolator of his own seminal discoveries, his painstaking
measurements and profound insights paved the way for deeper understandings in biology and
medicine; trusted colleague and gifted teacher, his inspired enthusiasm has had a lasting impact
on several generations of chemists; champion of social consciousness, he continues to remind
his fellow scientists of the public duties inherent in their stewardship of the public trust.
A genial man whose insistence on objectivity in all matters is leavened by his generosity and
wit, he well deserves the worldwide accolades he has received as one of the truly seminal
thinkers of our century." |
|
1988 [no photo available]
Glenn T. Seaborg, University Professor University of
California-Berkeley |
" For pioneering with vision, boldness and drive, the
discovery, exploration and settlement of new frontiers in science, education, and public service.
Foremost among modern alchemists, he has established order in the realms beyond uranium; advocate
of the uses of science for human benefit, he has pioneered unique arrangements for international
cooperation; single-minded proponent of scientific responsibility, he has helped introduce
rationality into nuclear policy; passionate partisan of opportunity for all Americans to a sound
education from elementary through the graduate level, he continues to insist on the integral
relationship between science and society. Equally at home in the laboratory, the academies on
three continents that have honored him, and the wilderness whose preservation remains an
enduring avocation, he carries quietly the many distinctions that befit a humane
scientist-statesman. " |
|
1987 [no photo available]
David Packard, Chairman of the Board Hewlett-Packard Company |
" For pioneering with vision, boldness and drive, the
discovery, exploration, and settlement of new frontiers in the relationships between scientific
discovery and engineering practice, and in the promise of science and technology in public
service. Pioneer founder of a successful high technology firm, prophetic catalyzer of mutually
beneficial relations between university and industry, prescient exemplar of the essential basis
for the nation's competitiveness, selfless advisor to government, industry, and civic
organizations, his life bears witness to the inseparable links among science, technology, and
the public good. A dedicated, hard driving man devoted to excellence in all his pursuits, he
well deserves his distinction as one of the world's senior engineer-statesmen. " |
|
1986 [no photo available]
I. I. Rabi, University Professor Emeritus Columbia University |
" For pioneering with vision, boldness, and drive, the
discovery, exploration and settlement of new frontiers in science, public service and
international understanding. Interpreter of the new physics to the new world, translator of
quantum abstractions into visible spatial dimensions, trusted advisor to presidents and world
leaders, founder of institutions that have contributed to the security of his country, nurtured
Nobel laureates and stimulated international scientific cooperation, his life attests to the
profound humanism inherent in his conviction that "the proper study of mankind is science." A
dedicated man whose stern demand for excellence has always been leavened by an original wit and
deep respect for history, he bears with grace his well deserved distinction as the world's senior
scientist-statesman." |
|
1985 [no photo available]
Hans A. Bethe, Professor Emeritus Cornell University |
" For pioneering with vision and boldness, the
exploration, charting, and settlement of new frontiers in science, education, and public service.
A pioneer explorer of nuclear and subnuclear complexities, a discoverer of the sources of
solar and stellar energies, a dedicated teacher, and contributor to his country's defense
capability, his deep understanding of the beauty and elegance of the physical universe has
inspired student and colleague alike, while his appreciation of the powers and limitations
inherent in that understanding has made him a valued counselor to generations of statesmen in
war and peace alike. A retiring man of deeply held convictions, the many honors bestowed upon
him by governments and private institutions on three continents attest to his status as a
citizen of the world." |
|
1984 [no photo available]
Roger R. Revelle, University Dean Emeritus University of
California at San Diego and Director Emeritus Scripps Institution of Oceanography and
Professor of Science & Public Policy |
"For pioneering, with vision, boldness, and drive, the
exploration, charting, and settlement of new frontiers in science, technology, and public
service. As an inspired oceanographer, he has charted new intellectual and physical frontiers,
opening up pathways to understanding the origins of the earth and the ocean basins, and
establishing his field as an exemplar for international scientific cooperation. As a visionary
ecologist and compassionate demographer, he has shown that scientific knowledge can help breach
long-standing barriers to human progress and dignity. As an advisor to international
organizations, foreign governments, and two branches of his own government, he has functioned as
an educator, tenaciously prodding policymakers to build the scientific knowledge required to
attack fundamental and enduring problems. A compassionate, courageous, thoughtful man who leavens
his deep convictions with gentle humor, he is admired in many lands as a living demonstration
that science and humanism can be natural companions." |
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1983 [no photo available]
Frederick Seitz, President Emeritus The Rockefeller
University |
"For pioneering, with vision, boldness, and drive, the
exploration, charting, and settlement of new frontiers in science, technology, education and
public service. For pathfinding leadership on the frontiers of science, for achieving
excellence as an educator and public servant, and for pursuing peace with freedom and compassion
among nations. As pioneer investigator of the quantum effects in solids, he became the
intellectual leader of a new subfield of physics. As teacher and administrator, he inspired
students to distinguished careers and helped great universities hold their course in difficult
times. As technological innovator and as President of the National Academy of Sciences, he forged
links among industry, academia, and government. As scientific statesman, he provided wise
counsel to governments at home and abroad and to international bodies. A man of uncommon depth
and insight, he has brought to each undertaking modesty, gentle humor, boundless energy, and
unwavering integrity." |
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1982 [no photo available]
Lee A. DuBridge, President Emeritus California Institute
of Technolog |
"For pioneering, with vision, boldness, and drive, the
exploration, charting, and settlement of new frontiers in science, technology, education, and
public service. As youthful head of the World War II Radiation Laboratory, he conquered new
reaches of the electromagnetic spectrum and thus helped deny, to his country's enemies, the
conquest of Europe and the Pacific. As a charter member of the National Science Board, he assisted
he pilot of an infant agency to negotiate passage between the Scylla of academic suspicion and
the Charybdis of bureaucratic misconception. As leader of a great educational institution, as
advisor to Federal agencies and to a President, he opened new frontiers in the use of science
for the public good. Always the most genial and amicable of men, he nevertheless continues
to stand as stern centurion on the ramparts, zealously defending the best traditions of quality
science and freedom for inquiry." |
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1981 [no photo available]
William O. Baker, President Emeritus Bell Telephone
Laboratories |
"For his outstanding contributions toward the welfare
of the Nation and mankind through public service activities in science and technology. As leader
of one of the world's most farsighted industrial laboratories, he has generously donated his
exceptional talents to countless public institutions, great and small. Always shunning the
limelight, he has become the oracle of American science, sharing his idealism and practical
wisdom with Presidents and scientists in public service." |
|
1980 [no photo available]
James R. Killian, Jr., Retired Honorary Chairman of the Corporation
Massachuetts Institute of Technology |
"For his outstanding contributions to science and
technology through public service to the Nation as one of the leading spokesmen for educational
innovation and curriculum reform, for strengthening and broadening engineering education, for
support of basic research, and for his distinguished record of service from World War II to the
present time." |
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