NSF Honorary Awards – Office of the Director (OD) | NSF

The President’s National Medal of Science was established by the 86th Congress in 1959 as a presidential award to be given to individuals “deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, or engineering sciences.” In 1980, Congress expanded this recognition to include the social and behavioral sciences.

A committee of 12 scientists and engineers is appointed by the president to evaluate the nominees for the award. Since its establishment, the National Medal of Science has been awarded to 449 distinguished scientists and engineers whose careers span decades of research and development. The National Medal of Science is the highest presidential recognition bestowed on scientists and engineers.

The National Medal of Science is administered by NSF’s Office of Integrative Activities, on behalf of the NSF director, and is vetted and approved by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.