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Public Service Award Recipients

1998-Present

2019 |2018 |2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

Note: Institutions listed are those with which the recipients were affiliated at the time of the Award.

2019

Image of Fuchs and Schaal

2019 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Barbara A. Schaal,
Mary-Dell Chilton Distinguished Professor of Biology and Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis
with
Kent Fuchs,
Chair, NSB Honorary Awards Committee
Press Release

Credit: NSF/Allison Shelley

"For dedicated public service in national science policy and science education as a world-renowned plant biologist working tirelessly to advance public understanding and creating high quality research opportunities for students, inspiring a new generation of plant scientists."

 
Image of Fuchs with Taborn and DeLoatch

2019 Public Service Award (to a group)

Eugene M. DeLoatch and Tyrone D. Taborn,
Founders of the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) conference
with
Kent Fuchs,
Chair, NSB Honorary Awards Committee
Press Release

Credit: NSF/Allison Shelley

"For enhancing scientific and engineering literacy in minority communities with the inception—more than 32 years ago—of their annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards, opening the doors of discovery and innovation to minorities and women and their pursuit of careers in and contributions to engineering and science across the nation."

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2018

Image of Kamen and Chandler

2018 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Dean Kamen,
Founder, FIRST President, DEKA Research & Development Corp.
with
Vicki Chandler,
Chair, NSB Honorary Awards Committee
Press Release

Credit: NSF/Rich Riggins

"For inspiring generations of young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators through the founding of FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), whose vision is “to transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders."

 
Image of Lance Bush and Vicki Chandler

2018 Public Service Award (to a group)

Deborah Wince-Smith,
President and CEO, Council on Competitiveness
with
Vicki Chandler,
Chair, NSB Honorary Awards Committee
Press Release

Credit: NSF/Rich Riggins

"For three decades of leadership promoting the critical role of science and engineering in enhancing U.S. productivity and raising the standard of living of all Americans and through an agenda focused on technological innovation, national security, the future of work, energy, and advanced manufacturing."

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2017

Image of Arthur Eisenkraft and Vicki Chandler

2017 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Arthur Eisenkraft,
Distinguished professor of science education, professor of physics and director of the Center of Science and Math in Context (COSMIC) at the University of Massachusetts Boston
with
Vicki Chandler,
Chair, NSB Honorary Awards Committee
Press Release

Credit: Sandy Schaeffer Photography

"For advancing science education; leading competition programs that increased the public’s appreciation for science and technology; and for inspiring, through his teachings and curriculum work, the next generation of practicing scientists, engineers, and educators."

 
Image of Lance Bush and Vicki Chandler

2017 Public Service Award (to a group)

Challenger Center
Lance Bush,
President and CEO, Challenger Center
with
Vicki Chandler,
Chair, NSB Honorary Awards Committee
Press Release

Credit: Sandy Schaeffer Photography

"For pioneering STEM education initiatives that inspire students with innovative, project-based, hands-on learning; and for fostering awareness and enthusiasm in students to pursue careers in STEM fields, critical to the needs of our nation."

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2016

Image of Vinton Cerf and Peg Brandon

2016 Public Service Award (to a group)

Sea Education Association (SEA)
Peg Brandon,
President, Sea Education Association (SEA)
and
Vinton Cerf,
Chair, NSB Honorary Awards Committee
Press Release

Credit: Sandy Schaeffer Photography

"For fostering scientific discovery and stewardship of the world’s oceans through academically rigorous and challenging programs that include sea voyages and oceanographic research."

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2015

Image of Ruth David and Arthur Caplan

2015 Public Service Award (to a group)

American Museum of Natural History
Ellen Futter,
AMNH President
and
Vinton Cerf,
Chair, NSB Honorary Awards Committee 
Press Release

Credit: Sandy Schaeffer Photography

"For fostering public understanding of science through scientific research, improving the teaching and learning of science, and training and encouraging the next generation of scientists. "

 
Image of Ruth David and Cynthia Robinson

2015 Public Service Award (to a group)

National Center for Technological Literacy, Museum of Science, Boston,

Ioannis Miaoulis,
President, Museum of Science, Boston
and
Vinton Cerf,
Chair, NSB Honorary Awards Committee 
Press Release

Credit: Sandy Schaeffer Photography

"For advancing public understanding of engineering and science and for pioneering and championing the introduction of engineering education in K-12 schools nationwide."

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2014

Image of Ruth David and Arthur Caplan

2014 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Arthur Caplan,
Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor, Division of Bioethics, Langone Medical Center, New York University.
and
Ruth David,
Chair, Committee on Honorary Awards and Member, National Science Board

Press Release

Credit: Sandy Schaeffer Photography

"For his outstanding leadership, extraordinary commitment, and exceptional communication initiatives to raise public awareness and understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of science and engineering innovations. "

 
Image of Ruth David and Cynthia Robinson

2014 Public Service Award (to a group)

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships Program
Cynthia Robinson,
Director, AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships
and
Ruth David,
Chair, Committee on Honorary Awards and Member, National Science Board

Press Release

Credit: Sandy Schaeffer Photography

"For providing S&T expertise to enhance policymaking for the benefit of the nation, and fostering a network of science and engineering leaders who understand government and policymaking, and are prepared to develop and execute solutions to address societal challenges."

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2013

Image of Jo Anne Vasquez and Alan Leshner

2013 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Jo Anne Vasquez,
Vice President and Program Director - Arizona Transition Years - Teacher and Curriculum Initiatives,
Helios Education Foundation
and
Alan Leshner,
Chair, Committee on Honorary Awards and Member, National Science Board.
Press Release

Photographer: Sandy Schaeffer

"For her outstanding commitment, extraordinary leadership, and tireless efforts to promote excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education."

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2012

Image of Bud Peterson and Lawrence M. Krauss

2012 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Lawrence M. Krauss,
Foundation Professor
School of Earth and Space Exploration and Physics Department, and
Director of the Origins Project, Arizona State University
and
Bud Peterson,
Chair, Committee on Honorary Awards and Member, National Science Board
Press Release

"For his extensive, broad outreach to the public that bridges the chasm between science and popular culture as well as science and public policy through his popular books and lectures, editorials in major newspapers and magazines, regular columns in scientific journals, musical performances, and television documentaries and news programs."

 
Image of France Córdova and Dennis Bartels

2012 Public Service Award (to a group)

NPR Science Desk
Joe Palca,
NPR Science Desk Correspondent
and
Bud Peterson,
Chair, Committee on Honorary Awards and Member, National Science Board
Press Release

"For its decades-long commitment to deep, thoughtful, and engaging coverage of science that offers compelling explanations of important and complex issues as an integral part of its public-service broadcast mission."

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2011

Image of France Córdova and Moira A. Gunn

2011 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Moira A. Gunn,
Host, Tech Nation and BioTech Nation
Managing Director of Biotechnology Programs, University of San Francisco
and
France Córdova,
Chair, Committee on Honorary Awards and Member, National Science Board
Press Release

"For extraordinary contributions to the education of the public and promotion of science and technology through a national weekly radio program, with commentaries on scientific issues and in-depth interviews, for a broad public audience."
 
Image of France Córdova and Dennis Bartels

2011 Public Service Award (to a group)

The Exploratorium
Dennis Bartels,
Executive Director of Exploratorium
and

France Córdova,
Chair, Committee on Honorary Awards and Member, National Science Board
Press Release

"For pioneering efforts to increase public understanding of the processes of science and engineering through hands-on interactivity within a museum learning center; fostering awareness of science, engineering, and technology to the education community; and encouraging and influencing the next generation of scientists and engineers."

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2010

Image of Nalini M. Nadkarni and Ray Bowen

2010 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Nalini M. Nadkarni,
Member of the Faculty, The Evergreen State College
and
Ray M. Bowen,
Chair, National Science Board

"For her groundbreaking research in forest canopy science, and for her outstanding and truly unique achievements in public service in science through forging connections with the general public and involving non-traditional audiences in her scientific research."
 
Image of Rachel Sheinbein and Ray Bowen

2010 Public Service Award (to a group)

The Expanding Your Horizons Network,
Rachel Sheinbein,
President, The Expanding Your Horizons Network
and
Ray M. Bowen,
Chair, National Science Board

"For its decades-long commitment to the early development of interest in mathematics and science among young women, making significant strides toward its goal to develop a pool of qualified women to undertake careers in mathematics, science, and engineering."

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2009

Image of Jo Anne Vasqez and Roald Hoffmann

2009 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Roald Hoffmann,
Frank H. T. Rhodes Professor Emeritus of Humane Letters
and Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, Cornell University
and
Jo Anne Vasqez,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee
Press Release

"For his extensive, broad-reaching, and diverse contributions to educating the public about science and, more specifically, fostering appreciation of the relevance of chemistry to culture and understanding of the essential role of chemistry in the world."
 
Image of Jo Anne Vasqez and Tom Lane

2009 Public Service Award (to a group)

American Chemical Society
Tom Lane,
President, American Chemical Society Project SEED
and
Jo Anne Vasqez,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee
Press Release

"For the outstanding and decades-long contributions of the Project SEED program in fostering interest in chemistry as a career and encouraging achievement in science, mathematics, and engineering among students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds."

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2008

Image of Dr. Attila Molnar and Chairman Beering

2008 Public Service Award (to a group)

Bayer Corporation
Dr. Attila Molnar,
President and CEO, Bayer Corporation
and
Dr. Steven Beering,
Chair, National Science Board

"For exemplary commitment to improving U.S. science education; contributing to the development of a diverse science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pipeline of students and future innovators; and fostering public science literacy."
 
Image of Dr. Thomas W. Ryan, III and Chairman Beering

2008 Public Service Award (to a group)

SAE International
Dr. Thomas W. Ryan, III,
2008 President, SAE International
and
Dr. Steven Beering
Chair, National Science Board

"For outstanding dedication to the education and career development of student and professional engineers; leadership in developing standards for technology and safety in the transportation industry; and contributions to the advancement of mathematics, science, and engineering education."

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2007

Image of Bassam Z. Shakhashiri and Shirley Malcom

2007 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Bassam Z. Shakhashiri,
Professor of Chemistry
William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair
for the Wisconsin Idea
University of Wisconsin-Madison
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee
Press Release

"For extraordinary contributions to promote science literacy and cultivate the intellectual and emotional links between science and the arts for the public."
 
Image of Cheryl Heuton and Shirley Malcom

2007 Public Service Award (to a group)

NUMB3RS
Television Drama Series
Cheryl Heuton [Accepting the Award] and Nicolas Falacci,
Co-Creators and Executive Producers
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee
Press Release

"For innovative use of the entertainment medium to promote interest in mathematics education and mathematic applications in everyday life."

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2006

Alan Alda and Shirley Malcom

2006 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Alan Alda
Host, Scientific American Frontiers
Actor, Writer, and Director
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For his contagious enthusiasm in fostering wonder and discovery by bringing complex scientific concepts to all audiences through television and the dramatic arts."
 
Craig R. Barrett and Shirley Malcom

2006 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Craig R. Barrett,
Chairman of the Board Intel Corporation
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For his outstanding promotion of science education, dedicated commitment to the public's understanding of science, and positive influence on science and technology policy."
 
Bonnie VanDorn, Walter R.T. Witschey and Shirley Malcom

2006 Public Service Award (to a group)

Association of Science-Technology Centers
Bonnie VanDorn and Walter R.T. Witschey
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For excellence and innovation in informal science education to advance public understanding of science among diverse audiences worldwide."

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2005

Picture of Ira Flatow and Shirley Malcom

2005 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Ira Flatow
Host and Executive Producer,
Talk of the Nation: Science Friday
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For promoting scientific interest and knowledge through his informative discussions on science, technology, health, space, and the environment through his weekly radio broadcast to a worldwide audience."
 
Picture of Carla Ellis, Mary Jean Harrold and Shirley Malcom

2005 Public Service Award (to a group)

Committee On The Status Of Women In Computing Research
Carla Ellis and Mary Jean Harrold, Co-Chairs
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For innovative use of the entertainment medium to promote interest in mathematics education and mathematic applications in everyday life."

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2004

Ralph P. Gomory Picture

2004 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Oliver Sacks, M.D.
Clinical Professor of Neurology
Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Author
and
Annette Berkovits
Member, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For his enhancement of the international and national public's appreciation of science in our lives through his writings concerning the links between the brain and the mind."
 
Picture of Oliver Sacks, M.D.

2004 Public Service Award (to a group)

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Ralph P. Gomory, President
and
Annette Berkovits,
Member, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For its innovative use of traditional media - books, radio, public television - and its pioneering efforts in theater and commercial television and films to advance public understanding of science and technology."

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2003

Kathryn D. Sullivan

2003 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Kathryn D. Sullivan,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Center of Science and Industry
Columbus, Ohio
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For her accomplishments as an explorer of Earth and space, a science educator, and a role models for girls and young women."
 
Ben Patrusky, Jerry Bishop, and Shirley Malcom

2003 Public Service Award (to a group)

Council for the Advancement of Science Writing
Ben Patrusky, Executive Director
and Jerry Bishop, President
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For its achievement in bringing together scientists and science writers for the purpose of improving the quality of science news reaching the public."
 
Deborah Byrd and Joel Block

2003 Public Service Award (to a group)

Earth and Sky, Inc.
Earth & Sky
Deborah Byrd and Joel Block, Producers and Hosts
and Ryan Britton, Executive Director
and
Shirley Malcom,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For its achievement in broadcasting explanations of research and everyday science to a worldwide audience."

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2002

Eugenie C. Scott and Paula Apsell

2002 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Eugenie C. Scott,
Executive Director,
National Center for Science Education
and
Paula Apsell,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For her promotion of public understanding of the importance of science, the scientific method, and science education and the role of evolution in science education."

 
MariaElena Zavalas and Paula Apsell

2002 Public Service Award (to a group)

Society for Advancement
of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
MariaElena Zavalas,
President, SACNAS
and
Paula Apsell,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For its creative approaches encouraging Latinos and Native Americans to pursue graduate education and careers in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering."

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2001

Dava Sobel and Michael Ambrosino

2001 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Dava Sobel
Science writer, East Hampton, New York
and
Michael Ambrosino,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For her enhancement of the public's understanding of the role of science in our lives and for fostering awareness of science and technology amont broad segments of the general public."
 
Annette Berkovits and Michael Ambrosino

2001 Public Service Award (to a group)

Education Division, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo
Annette Berkovits,
Senior Vice President-Education and The Chauncey Stillman Chair in Wildlife Education
and
Michael Ambrosino,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For her enhancement of the public's understanding of the role of science in our lives and for fostering awareness of science and technology amont broad segments of the general public."

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2000

Image of Philip & Phylis Morrison, Cambridge, MA and Michael Ambrosino, Committee Chair

2000 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Philip and Phylis Morrison
and
Michael Ambrosino,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For a lifetime of film and radio reporting, writings, especially book reviews in Scientific American, and serving as role models and teachers for generations of students"
 
Image of the Science Service accepting the Award from Michael Ambrosino, Committee Chair. (L-R) Dudley Herschbach, Chairman of the Board and Donald Harless, President

2000 Public Service Award (to a group)

Science Service
Washington, DC
Dudley Herschbach and Donald Harless
and
Michael Ambrosino,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For its pioneering influence on increasing public understanding of science, mathematics and engineering through science fairs, national and international science competitions, and the publication of Science News"

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1999

Stephen J. Gould, 1999 Recipient and David Perlman, Chair, NSB Public Service Award Advisory Committee

1999 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Stephen J. Gould
and
David Perlman,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For his lifetime of work encompassing the history and methods of science through his research, teaching and communication of science to the public as an author of scientific literature that inspires and educates."
 
Accepting the Award, Bill Nye, Host/Head Writer, and Elizabeth Brock, Executive Producer. Also shown in the photo, David Perlman, Chair, NSB Public Service Award Advisory Committee

1999 Public Service Award (to a group)

"Bill Nye the Science Guy",
KCTS-TV, Seattle
Bill Nye, and Elizabeth Brock
and
David Perlman,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For its masterful presentations of the sciences to the younger generation, thus encouraging and fostering an awareness and appreciation of science and technology."

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1998

Image of Jane Goodall and Richard Zare

1998 Public Service Award (to an individual)

Jane Goodall
The Jane Goodall Institute
and
Richard Zare,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For her lifetime work communicating the results of her research to the broadest possible publics, and for her continued advocacy for the participation of young people and adults in the scientific enterprise."
 
Image of Paula Apsell, Michael Ambrosino and Richard Zare

1998 Public Service Award (to a group)

PBS television series NOVA
Paula Apsell,
Executive Producer, NOVA,
and
Michael Amrosino,
series creator
and
Richard Zare,
Chair, NSB Public Service Award Committee

"For its clear, accurate, and wide-ranging programs exploring every aspect of science, and for NOVA's major influence on commercial broadcast and cable channels."

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