Gary S. Becker, the Rose-Marie and Jack R. Anderson Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, who received the Nobel Prize in economic sciences in 1992, has been named a recipient of the National Medal of Science.
The awards were announced today by President Bill Clinton who today honored twelve renowned American scientists and engineers with the awards for the year 2000.
In announcing the honorees, the president paid tribute to a diverse group of researchers who set new directions in social policy, neuroscience, biology, chemistry, bioengineering, mathematics, physics, and earth and environmental sciences.
The medals will be presented at an awards dinner scheduled for December 1 in Washington, D.C.
"These exceptional scientists and engineers have transformed our world and enhanced our daily lives," President Clinton said. "Their imagination and ingenuity will continue to inspire future generations of American scientists to remain at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and technological innovation."
Ten of the twelve science medalists this year received NSF support for portions of their academic careers or research work.
Gary Becker, who is also University Professor of Economics and Sociology at the University of Chicago, received the 1992 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work in describing the role of social forces that shape individual economic behavior. He is well known for studies that led to new economic analyses of racial discrimination. The methods employed are still used to detect discrimination, recently in studies done on practices in mortgage lending. His award was made in the behavioral sciences/social science category.
"This is a huge honor for Gary as well as those institutions with which he is affiliated," said Hoover Institution director John Raisian. "Gary's superb analytical and communication skills are truly worthy of this outstanding recognition."
"We invest in people whose creative thinking leads to the discoveries that create new bodies of knowledge for the benefit and well-being of the American people," National Science Foundation (NSF) director Rita Colwell said. "The nation can be very proud of the extraordinary contributions these 12 stellar researchers and educators have made to their fields, their students, their colleagues and to the public."
The National Science Foundation administers the Medals of Science, given in the categories of behavioral/social sciences, biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physical sciences, for the White House.
