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Text-only | Flash Special Report
William T. Golden - Appreciation
TRANSCRIPT
Although he never worked as a scientist and didn’t receive his master’s degree in biology until age 70, William T. Golden, who died October 7, 2007, a few weeks short of his 98th birthday, was one of the most influential figures in post-World War II American science.
As a government advisor, trustee for museums and scientific organizations, and philanthropist, he helped shape the infrastructure for American science during the second half of the 20th century.
Growing up in the 1920s, at a time of great public interest in science fanned by Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity and the birth of quantum mechanics, Golden dreamed of becoming a physicist. But an aversion to higher mathematics led him to major instead in English and biology.
On Oct. 20, 1950, President Harry S. Truman named Golden a special consultant to the director of the Bureau of the Budget. Among the issues of concern to Truman were the newly formed National Science Foundation, the relationship between civilian scientists and the military, the new role thrust upon American scientific research and development, and the mobilization of science during national emergencies.
In naming Golden, Truman was tapping Golden’s immense love of science, his knowledge of the ways of Washington, and his ability to listen, remember and summarize. During six intense months, Golden participated in more than 200 telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings with 150 scientists, administrators, military officers and Members of Congress. His first recommendation, sent to Truman on Dec. 18, 1950, was the establishment of the position of scientific advisor to the president.
After ending his service to President Truman, Golden embarked on a life of stewardship and philanthropy. He was a trustee, board member or officer of nearly 100 scientific, educational and nonprofit organizations.
One of Golden’s legacies is the National Science Board’s Science and Engineering Indicators report, suggested by him to the Board in 1951 and implemented in 1972, which is still recognized as one of the most important publications produced by the Board.
In 1991, the National Science Board presented Golden with a special award recognizing his contributions to American science.
Golden summed up his philosophy in his acceptance speech to the Board: “Homage, then, to science. Science is assuredly the Endless Frontier, and our country is indeed the land of opportunity. Let us all do all that we can to keep it that way and to make it better.”
CREDITS
Photos in order of appearance
- National Science Board
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- © 2007 Jupiter Images Corporation.
- Library of Congress #LC-USZ62-98170
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- National Science Foundation
- Photodisc
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- The Architect of the Capitol
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- National Science Board
- National Science Foundation
- National Science Board
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
- From the Archives of William T. Golden/AAAS
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