NSF PR 99-23 - April 15, 1999
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National Science Board Honors Maxine Frank Singer
with Vannevar Bush Award
The National Science Board (NSB) has named Maxine Frank
Singer, Ph.D., president of the Carnegie Institution
of Washington, D.C. to receive the 1999 Vannevar Bush
Award for lifetime contributions to science and engineering.
The NSB, the governing body of the National Science
Foundation (NSF), annually honors a senior scientist
and statesperson as a distinguished leader in science,
engineering or technology. The Bush Award recognizes
years of pioneering discoveries, public service and
contributions to the welfare of the nation.
Singer's honor is a result of her many years of pioneering
scientific achievements in molecular biology. She
was also recognized for her activism and creativity
in developing programs in math and science education
for inner-city Washington, D.C., school children and
their teachers. She was also cited for her willingness
to speak out on science matters facing society and
for influencing national science policy, particularly
where there were social, moral, or ethical implications.
Singer's research contributions range over several
areas of biochemistry and molecular biology, and the
evolution of defective viruses. She pioneered the
isolation and characterization of enzymes involved
in nucleic acid metabolism. Her work made it possible
to make the RNA molecules that led to the discovery
of the genetic code.
Since 1988, Singer has been Carnegie Institution's
8th president. Vannevar Bush was its 4th.
"Singer has been a spokesperson and leader on issues
related to the promise of genetic manipulation in
research and the curing of disease. She shares with
other scientists a concern about the decline of math
and science education in this country, the lack of
understanding of science among the general population,
and the underrepresentation of women and minorities
in the scientific community," said Vera Rubin, member
of the National Science Board and staff member at
Carnegie's Department of Terrestrial Magnetism.
In 1989, Singer introduced "Project First Light," in
which neighborhood 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders attend
an imaginative Saturday science school at the Carnegie
Institution. In 1994, she initiated the Carnegie Academy
for Science Education, which includes six-week summertime
institutes for elementary school teachers, along with
continuing associations throughout the school year.
Singer also serves on several boards of directors,
including Johnson & Johnson. In 1992, she received
the National Medal of Science from President Bush
for her "outstanding scientific accomplishments and
her deep concern for the societal responsibility of
the scientist."
The NSB established the Vannevar Bush Award in 1980
to commemorate NSF's 30th anniversary. It was Vannevar
Bush who, at the request of President Franklin D.
Roosevelt, recommended in 1945 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,
and for the development of a national science policy.
Five years later, Congress passed a bill creating
the NSF.
Singer will receive the Bush Award on May 5 in Washington,
D.C. at a National Science Board awards ceremony.
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