The
National Medal of Science of the
United States was established
in 1959 by
Congress and administered by the
National Science Foundation. According to the NSF, the medal honors individuals who have significantly advanced knowledge in the fields of
behavioral and
social sciences,
biology,
chemistry,
engineering,
mathematics and
physics. The award is judged by a committee of 12 scientists and engineers that reviews nominations. Approximately a dozen awards are given each year.