List of science and technology awards
Overview
Science and technology awards are accolades bestowed upon individuals, organizations, or projects that have made significant contributions to the fields of science and technology. These awards serve to recognize and celebrate achievements that advance knowledge, innovation, and practical applications in various scientific and technological domains. They often highlight groundbreaking research, pioneering inventions, and outstanding contributions to the betterment of society.
Major International Science Awards
Nobel Prizes
The Nobel Prizes are among the most prestigious international awards, established by the will of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. They are awarded annually in several categories, including Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology or Medicine. The Nobel Prizes are recognized for their rigorous selection process and the significant impact of the laureates' work on global scientific progress.
Fields Medal
The Fields Medal is awarded every four years to mathematicians under 40 years of age who have made outstanding contributions to the field of mathematics. Often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics," it is one of the highest honors a mathematician can receive.
Turing Award
The Turing Award, named after Alan Turing, is an annual award given by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the field of computer science. It is widely regarded as the "Nobel Prize of Computing."
Breakthrough Prizes
The Breakthrough Prizes in Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Mathematics are awarded to scientists who have made transformative advances in their respective fields. These prizes are notable for their substantial monetary rewards and their focus on recent and groundbreaking discoveries.
National Science and Technology Awards
United States
National Medal of Science
The National Medal of Science is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fields of science and engineering. It recognizes achievements in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and social sciences.
National Medal of Technology and Innovation
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation honors individuals, teams, and companies for their outstanding contributions to America's economic, environmental, and social well-being through technological innovation.
United Kingdom
Royal Society Awards
The Royal Society awards several prestigious medals and prizes, including the Copley Medal, which is the oldest scientific award in the world. The society also awards the Royal Medals and the Rumford Medal for outstanding achievements in various scientific fields.
Germany
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize
The Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize is awarded by the German Research Foundation to scientists and academics for exceptional achievements in research. It is one of the most prestigious research awards in Germany.
Specialized Science and Technology Awards
Environmental Science
Goldman Environmental Prize
The Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded annually to grassroots environmental activists from six continental regions. It recognizes individuals for their sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment.
Medical Science
Lasker Awards
The Lasker Awards are among the most respected science prizes in the United States, recognizing individuals who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of human disease.
Engineering
Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering is a global award that celebrates groundbreaking innovations in engineering that have been of global benefit to humanity.
Emerging Science and Technology Awards
Kavli Prizes
The Kavli Prizes are awarded in the fields of astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience. These prizes recognize scientists for their seminal advances in these emerging and rapidly evolving fields.
Millennium Technology Prize
The Millennium Technology Prize is awarded biennially by the Technology Academy Finland for technological innovations that significantly improve the quality of human life. It is one of the world's largest technology prizes.