Established in 1959 by the U.S. Congress, the National Medal of Science is the highest recognition the nation can bestow on scientists and engineers. The presidential award is given to individuals deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and behavioral sciences, in service to the Nation. These broad areas include such disciplines as astronomy, chemistry, computer and information science and engineering, geoscience, materials research, and research on STEM education.

• Only individuals are eligible for a National Medal of Science.
• You cannot nominate yourself or an immediate family member.
• Nominees must be a U.S. citizen or national, or a permanent resident who is applying for U.S. citizenship.
• Deceased nominees are eligible for the award until the fifth anniversary of the day of their death.
• Nobel Prize winners are eligible for awards and are evaluated according to the same considerations as nominees who have not received a Nobel Prize.

Nomination packages consist of a completed nomination and three to five letters of reference.
Three of the reference writers must not be from the nominee’s home institution for the nomination to be considered.

The President's Committee on the National Medal of Science has established the following considerations for selection of candidates:

1. The impact of the nominee's body of work on the current state of his or her field of science or engineering.
2. Whether the nominee's achievements are of an unusually significant nature in relation to the potential effects on the development of thought in his or her field of science or engineering.
3. Whether the nominee has demonstrated unusually distinguished service in the general advancement of science or engineering for the nation, especially when accompanied by substantial contributions to the content of science.
4. The recognition of the nominee by peers within their community, and whether they are recognized for substantial impact in fields in addition to their discipline.
5. Whether the nominee has made contributions to innovation and industry.
6. Whether the nominee has demonstrated sustained influence on education through publications, teaching activities, outreach, mentoring, or other activities.
7. Whether the nominee's contributions have had a significant positive impact on the nation.

For more information, please go to nsf.gov/NMS

Disclosure Statement: The information requested on this nomination is solicited under the authority of the NSF Act of 1950, as amended, and will be used and disclosed to reviewers and the National Science Board in connection with the selection of qualified applicants.