Shape the Next Class of National Medal Laureates

President Obama stands with Sylvester James Gates at the National Medal of Science in 2011

Our Foundation has a thirty-year history with the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the nation’s highest honors for scientific and technological achievement.  While we at the NSTMF do not select the recipients of these medals, we play a role in the process by raising awareness about public nominations and ultimately honoring those chosen by the President.

The Biden-Harris administration has made it a pillar of their platform to foster racial equity across all programs and agencies. This includes the National Medals of Science and Technology and Innovation programs. Our organization shares these values, which inform our mission to build more inclusive and equitable STEM communities.

“By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, this medal will inspire future generations to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership. Your nominations are an integral part of this process, raising up leaders from your communities to future classes of NMTI Laureates. The USPTO is dedicated to encouraging, empowering, and supporting all innovators, tapping into the strength of our nation’s diversity, and celebrating the best minds in American innovation.”

–Drew Hirshfeld, performing the functions and duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO

The nominations process, which is open to all, is an important mechanism in ensuring that the next class of Laureates represents the strength of diversity in our STEM communities.

“For the Laureates who receive the National Medal of Science, it is an honor of a lifetime. These role models, nominated by their peers and selected by the President to receive this honor, hold the power to catalyze a new generation of exploration, inquiry, and discovery. Laureates represent the highest levels of science and reflect the accomplishments of our diverse society.”

–France A. Córdova, former director of the National Science Foundation
NATIONAL MEDAL OF SCIENCE

The National Medal of Science is awarded for “outstanding cumulative contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or behavioral or social sciences, in service to the Nation.”

For those submitting a nomination for the National Medal of Science, here are some key dates and resources provided by the National Science Foundation:

  • Nomination information and guidelines can be found here.
  • Submissions can be made here.
  • The last day to submit is May 20.
David Blackwell, who received the National Medal of Science in 2012
David Blackwell received the National Medal of Science in 2012 (posthumous)
NATIONAL MEDAL OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation recognizes “those who have made lasting contributions to America’s competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and […] those who have made substantial contributions to strengthening the nation’s technological workforce.”

For those submitting a nomination for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, here are some key dates and resources provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office::

By making a nomination, you can help shape future classes of Laureates. Please consider this opportunity to nominate a peer, mentor, or colleague.

Frances Arnold, who received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2011
Frances Arnold received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2011

“National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureates have been responsible for some of our greatest scientific and technological innovations. Today we have an opportunity as active members in our respective communities to submit NMTI nominees to join an inspirational cohort of creators, discoverers, and STEM leaders. We must work together to ensure that the next generation of NMTI Laureates demonstrate the incredible diversity of this country and inspire the next generation of STEM trailblazers.”

–Andrei Iancu, former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

Meet all the NMTI and NMS Laureates

Laureate Timeline

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