The Public Welfare Medal is awarded by the U.S.

National Academy of Sciences The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is a United States nonprofit, non-governmental organization. NAS is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, along with the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the Nati ...

"in recognition of distinguished contributions in the application of science to the public welfare." It is the most prestigious honor conferred by the academy. First awarded in 1914, the medal has been awarded annually since 1976.

List of recipients

Source
NAS
*

John P. Holdren John Paul Holdren (born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, March 1, 1944) is an American scientist who served as the senior advisor to President Barack Obama on science and technology issues through his roles as Assistant to the President for Science and ...

(2022) "For his many years of work on behalf of science, particularly in his role as science advisor to former President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Making Holdren the longest serving presidential science advisor since World War II." *

Anthony S. Fauci Anthony Stephen Fauci (; born December 24, 1940) is an American physician-scientist and immunologist serving as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the chief medical advisor to the president. ...

(2021) For "decades-long leadership in combatting emerging infectious diseases, from the AIDS crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, and being a clear, consistent, and trusted voice in public health.” * Kathleen Hall Jamieson (2020) "For her non-partisan crusade to ensure the integrity of facts in public discourse and development of the science of scientific communication to promote public understanding of complex issues." *

Agnes Matilda Kalibata Agnes Matilda Kalibata is a Rwandan agricultural scientist and policymaker, and president of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). She served as Rwanda's minister of agriculture and animal resources from 2008 to 2014 and began h ...

(2019) “For her work to drive Africa’s agricultural transformation through modern science and effective policy, helping to lift more than a million Rwandans out of poverty and scaling impacts for millions more African farmers.” *

Paul Farmer Paul Edward Farmer (October 26, 1959 – February 21, 2022) was an American medical anthropology, medical anthropologist and physician. Farmer held an MD and PhD from Harvard University, where he was a Harvard University Professor, University ...

(2018) "For pioneering enduring, community-based treatment strategies that demonstrate the delivery of high-quality health care in resource-poor settings in the U.S. and other countries." *

Jane Lubchenco Jane Lubchenco (born December 4, 1947) is an American environmental scientist and marine ecologist who teaches and conducts research at Oregon State University. Her research interests include interactions between the environment and human well-be ...

(2017) "For her leadership in linking science, public policy, and citizen engagement to address urgent issues of global environmental change." * Alan Alda (2016) "For his extraordinary application of the skills honed as an actor to communicating science on television and stage, and by teaching scientists innovative techniques that allow them to tell their stories to the public." * Neil deGrasse Tyson (2015) "For his extraordinary role in exciting the public about the wonders of science, from atoms to the Universe." * John Porter (2014) "For being a tireless and effective advocate for scientific research over more than three decades, first in Congress and then in private life, thereby helping to maintain the pre-eminent status of biomedical research in the United States." *

Bill Gates William Henry Gates III (born October 28, 1955) is an American business magnate and philanthropist. He is a co-founder of Microsoft, along with his late childhood friend Paul Allen. During his career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions ...

and Melinda Gates (2013) "For improving the lives of millions by applying science to some of the world's most difficult global health challenges." *

Harold T. Shapiro Harold Tafler Shapiro (born June 8, 1935) is an economist and university administrator. He is currently a professor of economics and public affairs at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. Shapiro serv ...

(2012) "For his leadership in profoundly influencing American science, helping the government, the scientific community, and the public to address some of the most complex and contentious scientific and ethical issues of our time." * Ismail Serageldin (2011) "For outstanding leadership in promoting the use of science for sustainable development and for liberating minds from the tyranny of intolerance, bigotry, and fear, thereby opening doors to free inquiry, tolerance, and imagination." *

Eugenie C. Scott Eugenie Carol Scott (born October 24, 1945) is an American physical anthropologist, a former university professor and educator who has been active in opposing the teaching of young Earth creationism and intelligent design in schools. She coined t ...

(2010) "For championing the teaching of evolution in the United States and for providing leadership to the National Center for Science Education." * Neal F. Lane (2009)"For serving the scientific community in many executive and leadership roles and for his continuing efforts to advance and promote science and technology in the United States." *

Norman P. Neureiter Norman P. Neureiter (born January 24, 1932) is an American scientist, technology adviser and expert on science diplomacy. A graduate of the University of Rochester and Northwestern University, Neureiter has worked as a research scientist, a science ...

(2008) "For enhancing the status of science and technology in the U.S. State Department as the first science and technology adviser to the secretary of state and for spurring international cooperation in science and technology under U.S. leadership." *

Maxine F. Singer Maxine Frank Singer (born February 15, 1931) is an American molecular biologist and science administrator. She is known for her contributions to solving the genetic code, her role in the ethical and regulatory debates on recombinant DNA techniq ...

(2007) "For providing inspired and effective leadership in matters of science and its relationship to education and public policy." *

Norman R. Augustine Norman (Norm) Ralph Augustine (born July 27, 1935) is a U.S. aerospace businessman who served as United States Under Secretary of the Army from 1975 to 1977. Augustine served as chairman and CEO of the Lockheed Martin Corporation. He was chair ...

(2006) "For contributions to the vitality of science in the United States by bringing to industry and government a better understanding of the crucial role that fundamental scientific research must play in our long term security and economic prosperity." * William H. Foege (2005) "For his contributions to eradicating disease and defining the public health mission, and for his leadership in building institutions committed to the public welfare." *

Maurice F. Strong Maurice Frederick Strong, (April 29, 1929 – November 27, 2015) was a Canadian oil and mineral businessman and a diplomat who served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.E Masood (2015) Maurice Strong, Nature 528(7583), 480. Strong ...

(2004) "In recognition of inspired moral leadership in the 1972 and 1992 United Nations' environmental conferences and for tireless efforts to link science, technology, and society for our common benefit." * Shirley M. Malcom (2003) "For her vision, dedication, and effectiveness in bringing science education to millions of children in the U.S. and other nations, in order to create a science-literate populace. She has made an especially important contribution by bringing high-quality science education to groups traditionally distanced from the science world, thereby empowering many young people with the skills of a scientist." *

Norman E. Borlaug Norman Ernest Borlaug (; March 25, 1914September 12, 2009) was an American agronomist who led initiatives worldwide that contributed to the extensive increases in agricultural production termed the Green Revolution. Borlaug was awarded multiple ...

(2002) "For his scientific achievements in developing new varieties of wheat and other grains and for his single-minded application of these in saving untold millions from starvation and death." * David A. Kessler (2001) "For his courageous approach to public health issues, including insistence on the validity of drug labeling, protection of the impartiality of review boards; institution of mechanisms for fast-tracking drug approval, especially for orphan drugs and terminal malignancies; implementation of nutrient food labeling, and recognition that the addictive effects of tobacco require a more active intervention on the part of society and government. His legacy as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration affects the lives of all citizens." *

Gilbert F. White Gilbert Fowler White (November 26, 1911 – October 5, 2006) was a prominent American geographer, sometimes termed the "father of floodplain management" and the "leading environmental geographer of the 20th century" (Wescoat, 2006). White is kno ...

(2000) "For 65 years of educating colleagues, students, and governments—through research, institution-building, and policy analysis—on how to change the ways we manage water resources, mitigate hazards, and assess the environment, enabling people to aspire to a more humane coexistence with the natural world." *

Arnold O. Beckman Arnold Orville Beckman (April 10, 1900 – May 18, 2004) was an American chemist, inventor, investor, and philanthropist. While a professor at California Institute of Technology, he founded Beckman Instruments based on his 1934 invention of th ...

(1999) "For his leadership in developing analytical instrumentation, and for his deep and abiding concern for the vitality of the nation's scientific enterprise." *

David A. Hamburg David Allen Hamburg (October 1, 1925 – April 21, 2019) was an American psychiatrist. He served as president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York from 1982 to 1997. He also served as the President of the Institute of Medicine, National Academ ...

(1998) "For his dedication to improving the quality of life for young people; for his efforts to prevent violent conflict among nations; and for his effective leadership of the Carnegie Corporation, which has brought science and technology to bear on the paramount issues of our time." *

George W. Thorn George Widmer Thorn (January 15, 1906 - June 26, 2004) was an American physician whose contributions led to new treatments of kidney diseases and adrenal gland disorders, most notably Addison's disease. Thorn was Chief of Medicine at Boston's Peter ...

(1997) "For his establishment, guidance, and administration of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, a major force for the welfare both of scientists and students." *

William T. Golden William T. Golden (October 25, 1909 – October 7, 2007) was an American investment banker, philanthropist, and science adviser... Golden was born October 25, 1909 in New York City; his parents were both the children of poor Lithuanian immigrants ...

(1996) "For his leadership in national science policy, which has brought science into government, and for his wise counsel to public and private institutions, which has fostered the public support of science." * Harold Amos (1995) "For his tremendous success, for over 25 years, in encouraging and facilitating the entry and advancement of underrepresented minorities into careers in medicine and biomedical research." *

Carl Sagan Carl Edward Sagan (; ; November 9, 1934December 20, 1996) was an American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, and science communicator. His best known scientific contribution is research on ext ...

(1994) "For his ability to communicate the wonder and importance of science, to capture the imagination of so many, and to explain difficult concepts of science in understandable terms." * Jerome B. Wiesner (1993) "For his devoted and successful efforts in science policy, education, and nuclear disarmament and world peace." *

Philip H. Abelson Philip, also Phillip, is a male given name, derived from the Greek (''Philippos'', lit. "horse-loving" or "fond of horses"), from a compound of (''philos'', "dear", "loved", "loving") and (''hippos'', "horse"). Prominent Philips who popularize ...

(1992) "For his achievements in building Science magazine into an informative and widely read source of news about science and scientists and their role in society as well as one of the world's most respected journals for the publication of original research." *

Victor F. Weisskopf Victor Frederick "Viki" Weisskopf (also spelled Viktor; September 19, 1908 – April 22, 2002) was an Austrian-born American theoretical physicist. He did postdoctoral work with Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrödinger, Wolfgang Pauli, and Niels Boh ...

(1991) "For a half-century of unflagging effort to humanize the goals of science, acquaint the world with the beneficial potential of nuclear technologies, and to safeguard it from the devastation of nuclear war." *

C. Everett Koop Charles Everett Koop (October 14, 1916 – February 25, 2013) was an American pediatric surgeon and public health administrator. He was a vice admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and served as the 13th Surgeon Gen ...

(1990) "For his courageous public education program based on sound epidemiological evidence regarding the dangers of smoking, alcohol, and drug addiction; and for his humane and scientific approach to the problem of AIDS." * David Packard (1989) "For his intellectual rectitude, unparalleled generosity, and lifelong dedication to bettering the quality of America's scientific education and research." * (1988) "For his creative support and encouragement of excellence in education, conservation of scholarly and natural resources, and world betterment through medical science." *

Dale R. Corson Dale Raymond Corson (April 5, 1914 – March 31, 2012) was the eighth president of Cornell University. Born in Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1914, Corson received a B.A. degree from the College of Emporia in 1934, his M.A. degree from the University ...

(1987) "For his extraordinary contributions toward bringing science to the service of all segments of our society as an educator, administrator, and central figure in the formulation and communication of science policy." *

William D. Carey William D. Carey (January 29, 1916 – June 24, 1998) was Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and publisher of ''Science'' from 1975 through 1987. He was born in the Bronx, raised in Boston, and educated at ...

(1986) "For his effective and thoughtful leadership in the formulation of science policy, the communication of scientific advances and challenges to the public, the furtherance of international scientific exchange, and the support of research and development." *

I. I. Rabi Isidor Isaac Rabi (; born Israel Isaac Rabi, July 29, 1898 – January 11, 1988) was an American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1944 for his discovery of nuclear magnetic resonance, which is used in magnetic resonance ima ...

(1985) "For his work on behalf of the peaceful uses of atomic energy and his ceaseless efforts to bring science into the service of humanity." *

Theodore M. Hesburgh Theodore Martin Hesburgh, CSC (May 25, 1917 – February 26, 2015) was a native of Syracuse, New York, who became an ordained priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross and is best known for his service as the president of the University of Not ...

(1984) "For his deep understanding of the importance of science in the contemporary world and his effective advocacy of the application of science and technology in dealing with critical societal problems." * Mina Rees (1983) "For her contributions to the scientific enterprise, especially in mathematics, astronomy, and computer sciences, from wartime, through the transition from war to peace, and continuing today." *

Paul Grant Rogers Paul Grant Rogers (June 4, 1921 – October 13, 2008) was an American lawyer and politician from the U.S. state of Florida. A Democrat, Rogers served in the U.S. House of Representatives as the member from Florida's 11th congressional distr ...

(1982) "For his innovative and well-informed contributions to the country's biomedical research efforts." *

Russell E. Train Russell Errol Train (June 4, 1920 – September 17, 2012) was the second administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), from September 1973 to January 1977 and the founder chairman emeritus of World Wildlife Fund (WWF). As the seco ...

(1981) *

Walter S. Sullivan Walter Seager Sullivan, Jr. (January 12, 1918 – March 19, 1996) was considered the "dean" of science writers. Sullivan spent most of his career as a science reporter for ''The New York Times''. Over a 50-year career he covered all aspects ...

(1980) "For his clarity of expression and extensive knowledge which have enabled millions of readers to understand the means and ends of scientific research." *

Cecil H. Green Cecil Howard Green (August 6, 1900 – April 11, 2003) was a British-born American geophysicist, electrical engineer, and electronics manufacturing executive, who trained at the University of British Columbia and the Massachusetts Institute of Tec ...

and * (1979) "For their outstanding role as discriminating donors, seeking those opportunities where their support of science could make a qualitative difference—to people and to institutions." *

Donald A. Henderson Donald Ainslie Henderson (September 7, 1928 – August 19, 2016) was an American medical doctor, educator, and epidemiologist who directed a 10-year international effort (1967–1977) that eradicated smallpox throughout the world and launche ...

(1978) "For his leadership in the triumphant international campaign to eliminate smallpox, an accomplishment unique in medical science, for never before has such major, life-threatening, widespread disease been essentially eradicated." *

Leona Baumgartner Leona Baumgartner (August 18, 1902 – January 15, 1991) was an American physician. She was the first woman to serve as Commissioner of New York City's Department of Health (1954–1962). She was a strong advocate of health education and a pioneer ...

(1977) "For her many contributions to public health and especially her creative role in helping to transform United States population policies and programs." *

Emilio Q. Daddario Emilio Quincy Daddario (September 24, 1918 – July 7, 2010) was an Americans, American Democratic Party (United States), Democratic politician from Connecticut. He served as a member of the 86th United States Congress, 86th through 91st Unite ...

(1976) "For his sustained contributions to science and the national welfare during the years he served as a Congressman." * Leonard Carmichael (1972) *

Lister Hill Joseph Lister Hill (December 29, 1894 – December 20, 1984) was an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented Alabama in the U.S. Congress for more than forty-five years, as both a U.S. Representative (1923–1938) a ...

(1969) *

John W. Gardner John William Gardner (October 8, 1912 – February 16, 2002) was United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) under President of the United States, President Lyndon Johnson. He was ...

(1966) "For writings and works that have given impetus and direction to the revolution in U.S. education." *

Detlev W. Bronk Detlev Wulf Bronk (August 13, 1897 – November 17, 1975) was a prominent American scientist, educator, and administrator. He is credited with establishing biophysics as a recognized discipline. Bronk served as president of Johns Hopkins Universi ...

(1964) * (1963) * James A. Shannon (1962) *

Alan T. Waterman Alan Tower Waterman (June 4, 1892 – November 30, 1967) was an American physicist. Biography Born in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, he grew up in Northampton, Massachusetts. His father was a professor of physics at Smith College. Alan also ...

(1960) * James H. Doolittle (1959) * (1958) *

Warren Weaver Warren Weaver (July 17, 1894 – November 24, 1978) was an American scientist, mathematician, and science administrator. He is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of machine translation and as an important figure in creating support for scien ...

(1957) *

James R. Killian, Jr. James Rhyne Killian Jr. (July 24, 1904 – January 29, 1988) was the 10th president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from 1948 until 1959. Early life Killian was born on July 24, 1904, in Blacksburg, South Carolina. His father ...

(1956) * David Lilienthal (1951) "For his wise and intelligent leadership in a critical enterprise during a critical period." *

George H. Shull George Harrison Shull (April 15, 1874 – September 28, 1954) was an eminent American plant geneticist and the younger brother of botanical illustrator and plant breeder J. Marion Shull. He was born on a farm in Clark County, Ohio, graduated from ...

(1948) "In recognition of his services in the application of principles of the pure line and of hybrid vigor to the improvement of the quantity and quality of the maize crop." *

Karl T. Compton Karl Taylor Compton (September 14, 1887 – June 22, 1954) was a prominent American physicist and president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1930 to 1948. The early years (1887–1912) Karl Taylor Compton was born in ...

(1947) "For his notable contributions of an original character to the science of physics, his long and valuable career in the field of education and of university administration, and in recognition of his eminent service in the wartime research effort of the nation, and in the reinforcing of collaboration and understanding between civilian scientists and military men." *

Vannevar Bush Vannevar Bush ( ; March 11, 1890 – June 28, 1974) was an American engineer, inventor and science administrator, who during World War II headed the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD), through which almost all wartime ...

(1945) "For his outstanding service in bringing to bear the scientific and engineering talent of this country upon problems of research connected with the war effort." *

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. John Davison Rockefeller Jr. (January 29, 1874 – May 11, 1960) was an American financier and philanthropist, and the only son of Standard Oil co-founder John D. Rockefeller. He was involved in the development of the vast office complex in ...

(1943) "For his services for mankind made possible by the inheritance of a great fortune and affected by a singleness of wise and lofty purpose. In the discharge of the tremendous responsibility thus laid upon him he has utilized and notably fostered the biological, social and archeological sciences to the lasting benefit of the health and welfare of this nation and of the world." *

J. Edgar Hoover John Edgar Hoover (January 1, 1895 – May 2, 1972) was an American law enforcement administrator who served as the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He was appointed director of the Bureau of Investigation ...

(1939) "For his application of scientific methods to the problem of crime prevention." *

Willis R. Whitney Willis Rodney Whitney (August 22, 1868 – January 9, 1958) was an American chemist and founder of the research laboratory of the General Electric Company. He is known as the "father of industrial research" in the United States for blending the w ...

(1937) *

Hugh S. Cumming Hugh Smith Cumming (August 17, 1869 – December 20, 1948) was an American physician, and soldier. He served as the fifth Surgeon General of the United States from 1920 to 1936. Biography Early life Cumming was born in Hampton, Virginia. ...

(1935) "For his work on the etiology of

yellow fever Yellow fever is a viral disease of typically short duration. In most cases, symptoms include fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle pains – particularly in the back – and headaches. Symptoms typically improve within five days. In ...

and studies of epidemic areas." *

Frederick F. Russell Brigadier General Frederick Fuller Russell (1870 in Auburn, New York, USA – December 29, 1960) was a U.S. Army physician who perfected a typhoid vaccine in 1909. In 1911, a typhoid vaccination program was carried out to have the entire U.S. Ar ...

(1935) * August Vollmer (1934) "For his application in police administration of scientific methods to crime detection and to crime prevention." * David Fairchild (1933) "For his exceptional accomplishments in the development and promotion of

plant exploration Plant collecting is the acquisition of plant specimens for the purposes of research, cultivation, or as a hobby. Plant specimens may be kept alive, but are more commonly dried and pressed to preserve the quality of the specimen. Plant collecting i ...

and the introduction of new plants, shrubs, and trees into the United States." *

William H. Park William Hallock Park (December 30, 1863 – April 6, 1939) was an American bacteriologist and laboratory director at the New York City Board of Health, Division of Pathology, Bacteriology, and Disinfection from 1893 to 1936. Biography Park was b ...

(1932) "For his work as head of the research laboratories of the New York City Department of Health and as a pioneer and leader both in research and in the application of scientific discovery to the prevention of disease." *

Wickliffe Rose Wickliffe Rose (November 19, 1862 in Saulsbury, Tennessee – September 5, 1931 in British Columbia) was the first director of the International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation and won the Public Welfare Medal The Public Welfare Me ...

(1931) "For his organization and direction of the work of the

International Health Board The Rockefeller Foundation is an American private foundation and philanthropic medical research and arts funding organization based at 420 Fifth Avenue, New York City. The second-oldest major philanthropic institution in America, after the Carnegi ...

of the Rockefeller Foundation by which he made, to the promotion of public health and welfare, a contribution of a world-wide significance and importance." *

Stephen T. Mather Stephen Tyng Mather (July 4, 1867 – January 22, 1930) was an American industrialist and conservationist who was the first director of the National Park Service. As president and owner of Thorkildsen-Mather Borax Company he became a million ...

(1930) "For his long and distinguished service in connection with the development, the conservation, and the management of our national parks system." *

Charles V. Chapin Charles Value Chapin (January 17, 1856 – January 31, 1941) was an American pioneer in public health research and practice during the Progressive Era. He was superintendent of health for Providence, Rhode Island between 1884 and 1932. He est ...

(1928) "For his contributions to public health and work in the administrative control of disease." * Charles W. Stiles (1921) "For his application of science to the public welfare in the recognition and eradication of the hookworm disease." *

Herbert Hoover Herbert Clark Hoover (August 10, 1874 – October 20, 1964) was an American politician who served as the 31st president of the United States from 1929 to 1933 and a member of the Republican Party, holding office during the onset of the Gr ...

(1920) "For his applications of science in the conservation, selection, and distribution of food." *

Samuel W. Stratton Samuel Wesley Stratton (July 18, 1861 – October 18, 1931) was an administrator in the American government, physicist, and educator. Life and work Stratton was born on farm in Litchfield, Illinois on July 18, 1861. In his youth he kept farm ma ...

(1917) "For his services in introducing standards into the practice of technologists in the United States." *

Cleveland Abbe Cleveland Abbe (December 3, 1838 – October 28, 1916) was an American meteorologist and advocate of time zones. While director of the Cincinnati Observatory in Cincinnati, Ohio, he developed a system of telegraphic weather reports, daily we ...

(1916) "For distinguished public service in establishing and organizing the Weather Service of the United States." * Gifford Pinchot (1916) "For distinguished public service in organizing and directing the movement for the systematic conservation of the natural resources of the United States." *

George W. Goethals George Washington Goethals ( June 29, 1858 – January 21, 1928) was a United States Army General and civil engineer, best known for his administration and supervision of the construction and the opening of the Panama Canal. He was the State E ...

and

William C. Gorgas William Crawford Gorgas KCMG (October 3, 1854 – July 3, 1920) was a United States Army physician and 22nd Surgeon General of the U.S. Army (1914–1918). He is best known for his work in Florida, Havana and at the Panama Canal in abating the ...

(1914) "For their distinguished services in connection with the building of the

Panama Canal The Panama Canal ( es, Canal de Panamá, link=no) is an artificial waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean and divides North and South America. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit ...

External links

Public Welfare Medal
National Academy of Sciences web site

References

{{National Academy of Sciences, state=collapsed Awards established in 1914 Awards of the United States National Academy of Sciences 1914 establishments in the United States Humanitarian and service awards

List of recipients

See also

External links

References