Media contact: March 4, 1997 NSF PR 97-18
Bill Noxon; (703) 306-1070/[email protected]
NSF POSTHUMOUSLY HONORS CARL SAGAN Distinguished Public Service Award Cites ScientistÃs 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 agencyÃs Distinguished Public Service Award for lifetime achievement.
The award is NSFÃs highest honor given to a private citizen for contributions to the agencyÃs activities in science and education.
"Carl Sagan didnÃt 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 NSFÃs mission. The award in memory of Carl Sagan is NSFÃs first since 1994.
NSF will present its award to SaganÃs widow, Mrs. Ann Druyan, at the National Science BoardÃs 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.
-NSF-
NSF is an independent federal agency responsible for fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering, with an annual budget of about $3.3 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states, through grants to more than 2,000 universities and institutions nationwide. NSF receives more than 50,000 requests for funding annually, including at least 30,000 new proposals.
RSS