On Aug. 25, 1959, the National Medal of Science was established by the 86th U.S. Congress 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.”

The Committee on the National Medal of Science was established by executive order 10961 of President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

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.

A committee of distinguished scientists and engineers is appointed by the president of the United States to evaluate the nominees for the award. Medals are presented to recipients by the president during an awards ceremony at the White House.

Since its establishment, the National Medal of Science has been awarded to 529 distinguished scientists and engineers whose careers span decades of research and development.