National Medal of Science

The National Medal of Science was established by the 86th Congress in 1959 as a Presidential Award, to be given to individuals deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, or engineering sciences. In 1980 Congress expanded this recognition to include the social and behavioral sciences.

Since its establishment, the National Medal of Science has been awarded to distinguished scientists and engineers whose careers have spanned decades of research and development. The following H&S faculty members have earned this award, which is recognized as our nation's highest scientific honor:

Kenneth J. Arrow, Economics, 2004*
Gordon Bower, Behavioral and Social Science, 2005*
John Brauman, Chemistry, 2002
Paul Cohen, Mathematics, 1967**
Carl Djerassi, Chemistry, 1973*
Bradley Efron, Mathematics and Computer Science, 2005
Paul Flory, Physical Sciences, 1974**
Robert Hofstadter, Physical Sciences, 1986**
William Johnson, Chemistry, 1987**
Samuel Karlin, Mathematics, 1989**
Joseph Keller, Mathematics/Mechanical Engineering, 1988*
Harden McConnell, Chemistry, 1989*
Linus Pauling, Physical Sciences, 1974**
Calvin Quate, Applied Physics/Electrical Engineering, 1992
John Ross, Chemistry, 1999*
Arthur Schawlow, Physics, 1991**
Roger Shepard, Psychology, 1995*
Patrick Suppes, Philosophy and Statistics, 1990*
Henry Taube, Chemistry, 1976**
Cornelius Barnardus Van Niel, 1963**
Charles Yanofsky, 2003*
Richard Zare, Chemistry, 1983

* now emeritus

**deceased