Barnard Medal for Meritorious Service to Science
The Barnard Medal for Meritorious Service to Science is a prestigious international honor recognizing extraordinary contributions to the fields of physical and astronomical science. Established through the vision of a former university president, the medal celebrates discoveries and novel applications of science that provide significant benefits to the human race.
It is important to distinguish this honor from the Barnard Medal of Distinction, as the Medal for Meritorious Service to Science specifically targets breakthroughs in the physical and astronomical realms.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Established: 1889 via the will of Frederick A. P. Barnard.
- First Awarded: 1895.
- Frequency: Awarded every five years (quinquennial period).
- Presenting Institutions: Columbia University, based on recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences.
- Eligibility: Open to citizens of the United States and any other country.
- Criteria: Discoveries in physical or astronomical science or novel applications of science for the benefit of humanity.
The Establishment and Legacy of Frederick A. P. Barnard
The medal was founded by Frederick A. P. Barnard, the tenth president of Columbia University (1809–1889). In his last will and testament, Barnard detailed the exact specifications for the award to ensure its prestige and permanence. He mandated that the medal be struck from gold, nine-tenths fine, with a bullion value of at least two hundred dollars.
Barnard's vision was to create a recurring honor that recognized the most worthy scientific achievements of the preceding five years. He requested that the medal bear the motto Magna est Veritas (Great is the Truth) on the obverse side and Deo optimo Maximo, Gloria in Excelsis on the reverse.
The Selection Process
The governance of the award is a collaborative effort between two major institutions. The National Academy of Sciences of the United States is charged with the duty of evaluating candidates and nominating the individual they judge most worthy. Once the Academy declares the nominee and provides the reasoning for their choice, the Trustees of Columbia University proceed to award the medal along with a diploma or certificate.
A unique aspect of the award's criteria is the provision for omission. If the National Academy of Sciences determines that no discovery or application of scientific principles in the preceding five years is worthy of the distinction, the award is not granted for that period.
Notable Laureates and History
Since its inception in 1895, the Barnard Medal has been awarded to some of the most influential figures in scientific history. Early recipients included pioneers of radioactivity and X-rays, while later awards recognized giants of theoretical physics and mathematics.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Frederick A. P. Barnard |
| Awarding Body | Columbia University |
| Nominating Body | National Academy of Sciences |
| Award Cycle | Every 5 years |
| Primary Fields | Physical and Astronomical Science |
Chronology of Winners
- 1895: John William Strutt (Lord Rayleigh) and William Ramsay
- 1900: Wilhelm Röntgen
- 1905: Henri Becquerel
- 1910: Ernest Rutherford (Recognized for investigations into radioactive materials)
- 1915: William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg
- 1920: Albert Einstein
- 1925: Niels Bohr
- 1930: Werner Heisenberg
- 1935: Edwin Hubble
- 1940: Frédéric Joliot-Curie and Irène Joliot-Curie
- 1950: Enrico Fermi
- 1955: Merle Tuve
- 1960: I. I. Rabi
- 1965: William Alfred Fowler
- 1975: Louis Plack Hammett
- 1980: André Weil
- 1985: Benoit Mandelbrot
Following 1985, the award has not been granted, with no awards issued in 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, or 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to receive the Barnard Medal?
The medal is open to any person, regardless of their nationality, who has made a significant discovery in physical or astronomical science or a novel application of science that benefits the human race.
How often is the medal awarded?
The medal is awarded every five years, a period referred to as a quinquennial period.
What happens if no worthy candidate is found?
According to the will of Frederick A. P. Barnard, if the National Academy of Sciences judges that no discovery or application of science is worthy of the honor during the preceding five years, the award is omitted for that term.
Who decides who wins the Barnard Medal?
The National Academy of Sciences of the United States is responsible for nominating the recipient and providing the reasons for their selection to the Trustees of Columbia University, who then present the award.
What is the difference between this medal and the Barnard Medal of Distinction?
The Barnard Medal for Meritorious Service to Science is specifically dedicated to achievements in physical and astronomical science, whereas the Medal of Distinction is a separate honor.