Fact Sheet
National Science Board Vannevar Bush Award
June 11, 2015
This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.
Background. The National Science Board (NSB) established the Vannevar Bush Award in February 1980 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The award is presented to a person who, through public service activities in science and technology, makes outstanding contributions toward the nation and humanity.
History. Responding to a request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt for guidance, Vannevar Bush, the head of the World War II agency for the mobilization of civilian science, recommended in 1945 that a foundation be established by Congress to support research and education in science and to develop national science policy. Five years later, Congress implemented many of Bush's recommendations by passing a bill creating NSF. President Harry S Truman signed the bill into law on May 10, 1950. Establishing the Vannevar Bush Award was the NSB's way to honor Bush's unique contributions to public service.
Purpose. The Vannevar Bush Award is given annually to a senior statesperson in science or technology. The award is signified by a medal in Bush’s likeness and recognizes the recipient’s public service contributions in addition to calling attention to the important role science and technology play in improving our way of life.
Criteria. Nominees must be U.S. citizens, considered senior statespersons in science and technology, with a distinguished record in public service. Individuals must have been pioneers in a chosen field, displaying leadership and creativity, while inspiring others to distinguished careers, and contributing to the welfare of the nation and humanity.
Recipients.
- 2015 James Duderstadt
- 2014 Richard Tapia
- 2013 Neal Lane
- 2012 Leon Lederman
- 2011 Charles Vest
- 2010 Bruce Alberts
- 2009 Mildred S. Dresselhaus
- 2008 Norman R. Augustine
- 2007 Shirley Ann Jackson
- 2006 Raj Reddy and Charles Townes
- 2005 Robert W. Galvin
- 2004 Mary L. Good
- 2003 Richard C. Atkinson
- 2002 Erich Bloch
- 2001 Harold E. Varmus and Lewis M. Branscomb
The names of earlier recipients can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/bush_recipients.jsp.
-NSF-
Media Contacts
Lisa-Joy Zgorski, NSF, (703) 292-8311, email: lzgorski@nsf.gov
Program Contacts
Jennifer L. Richards, NSF, (703) 292-4521, email: jlrichar@nsf.gov
Related Websites
Vannevar Bush Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/bush.jsp
The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.
Connect with us online
NSF website: nsf.gov
NSF News: nsf.gov/news
For News Media: nsf.gov/news/newsroom
Statistics: nsf.gov/statistics/
Awards database: nsf.gov/awardsearch/
Follow us on social
Twitter: twitter.com/NSF
Facebook: facebook.com/US.NSF
Instagram: instagram.com/nsfgov