NSF PR 98-19 (NSB 98-71) - March 25, 1998
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Jane Goodall, PBS' NOVA Program, to Receive
Public Service Award
National Science Board to Present
New Annual Award in May
Citing the "inspirational and dignified" primate studies
of Jane Goodall and the "renowned and standard-setting"
Public Broadcasting Service's NOVA television
series, the National Science Board (NSB) today announced
the winners of its first annual Public Service Award
for contributions to public understanding of science
and engineering.
"There are many awards in the scientific community,
but this will be special because the people and institutions
to receive this award reach the hearts and minds of
everyday Americans by imparting knowledge, understanding
and a sense of humanity in their work," Richard Zare,
NSB chairman said. The new award for public service
will be presented at an annual NSB awards dinner in
May at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
"Jane Goodall is a foremost primatologist who has
heightened our sensitivities to the dignity of other
species and helped us better understand our own place
in the world," Zare said. "She serves as an inspiration
to all of us who seek to understand nature, and as
a role model for young women choosing a career in
science."
David Perlman, chairman of the selection committee
for this year's award, cited Goodall's "lifetime of
work communicating the results of her research to
the broadest possible publics," and Goodall's "international
network of institutions to encourage the participation
of youngsters and adults in the scientific enterprise."
Zare described PBS' NOVA series, now nearing
500 programs, as "a bright beacon lighting our way
to understanding science and technology." He said,
"NOVA set the standard for giving us insights
into how science is done and what drives those who
do it."
Perlman added that NOVA "has become an American
institution, regularly enthralling its huge PBS audience
with clear, accurate and wide-ranging programs exploring
virtually every aspect of science." Perlman also praised
NOVA's major influence on commercial broadcast
and cable channels to present science programs of
similar quality.
The NSB Public Service Award was established in November,
1996. Two awards will be presented each May, one to
an individual, another to an organization. The award
recognizes not only the scientific and engineering
contributions of individuals and organizations, but
also activities to promote the general public's understanding
of the research and concepts that lead the way to
discovery. Members of the U.S. Government are not
eligible for the award.
"It is so important that Americans increase their
awareness of science and technology and appreciate
the crucial role fundamental and applied research
plays in all our lives, so it is significant that
the National Science Board has created this annual
award," Perlman said.
Editors: The NSB Public Service Award Selection
Committee members are: Sharon Begley, Newsweek;
Roald Hoffman, Cornell University; Gregory
Moyer, Discovery Communications; J. Dennis
O'Connor, Smithsonian Institution; David Perlman,
San Francisco Chronicle; and Helen Quinn, Stanford
University Linear Accelerator Center. Ex officio members:
Neal Lane, NSF director; and Richard Zare,
National Science Board chairman.
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