Vannevar Bush Award

Link to Award Recipients

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS AND REFERENCE LETTERS: DECEMBER 15, 2004

The National Science Board established the Vannevar Bush Award in 1980 to honor Dr. Bush's unique contributions to public service. The annual award recognizes an individual who, through public service activities in science and technology, has made an outstanding "contribution toward the welfare of mankind and the Nation." The recipient of the award receives a bronze medal struck in the memory of Dr. Bush.

Dr. Bush was a prominent scientist, adviser to Presidents, and the force behind the establishment of the National Science Foundation. In 1945, at the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, he recommended that a foundation be established by Congress to serve as a focal point for the Federal Government's support and encouragement of research and education in science and technology as well as the development of a national science policy. The legislation creating the National Science Foundation was signed by President Harry S. Truman on May 10, 1950.

Eligibility and Criteria

Candidates must be a senior statesperson and an American citizen who meets two or more of the following criteria:

• ·Distinguished himself/herself through public service activities in science and technology.
• Pioneered the exploration, charting and settlement of new frontiers in science, technology, education and public service.
• Demonstrated leadership and creativity that have inspired others to distinguished careers in science and technology.
• Contributed to the welfare of the Nation and mankind through activities in science and technology.
• Demonstrated leadership and creativity that have helped mold the history of advancements in the Nation's science, technology, and education.

Nominations Selection

Nominations for the 2005 Vannevar Bush Award can be made through the National Science Foundation’s FastLane at https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/. In order to prepare a nomination, first-time users must register on the FastLane Web site using the link found in the upper right-hand corner above the “Log In” box. The Web site also contains detailed information concerning the nomination procedures. Nominations remain active for three years, including the year of nomination.

References

Two letters of support are required and can be made through the FastLane Web site: https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/honawards/. Writers of reference letters will also have to register on the Web site as indicated above.

For questions concerning the award, contact Susan Fannoney, 703-292-8096,
sfannone@nsf.gov.