NSF PR 97-18 - March 4, 1997
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NSF Posthumously Honors Carl Sagan
Distinguished Public Service Award
Cites Scientist's Lifetime of Achievement
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has named the
late Carl Sagan, noted planetary scientist, Pulitzer
Prize-winning author and Emmy Award-winning television
producer, to receive the agency's Distinguished Public
Service Award for lifetime achievement.
The award is NSF's highest honor given to a private
citizen for contributions to the agency's activities
in science and education.
"Carl Sagan didn't just popularize science, he explained
its relevance in ways the general public could understand
and appreciate it," Neal Lane, NSF Director, said
in announcing the award. "When you look at his career
as a highly regarded astronomer at Cornell University
whose research transformed planetary science, then
see how he parlayed this knowledge for the benefit
of the people into best-selling books and first-rate
television, his gifts to mankind were infinite."
Lane praised Sagan for unlocking the doors to the
scientific establishment, and through persistence,
prevailed in making science more understandable and
reachable to ordinary people.
"People often forget that Sagan was also an extraordinary
and innovative teacher. I believe his ability to make
his students full partners in the process of discovery
led to much of his success when he took his messages
to a broader audience," Lane said. "In that regard,
Carl Sagan left us a challenge that will be immensely
difficult to meet, but it is up to us, particularly
scientists and engineers, to finish what he started."
The NSF Distinguished Public Service Award has been
given to influential members of Congress, journalists,
university presidents, researchers and others whose
exceptional service or contributions of ideas, facilities,
equipment, human resources and voluntary activities
or consultations added significantly to NSF's mission.
The award in memory of Carl Sagan is NSF's first since
1994.
NSF will present its award to Sagan's widow, Mrs.
Ann Druyan, at the National Science Board's awards
dinner to be held at the Department of State on May
7. The agency will present a citation and a gold medallion
to Mrs. Druyan at the occasion.
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