In January 2011, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), in Washington DC, selected Ismail Serageldin to be the 2011 recipient of their most prestigious award: the Public Welfare Medal. On Sunday 1 May, the medal was presented to Serageldin in an award ceremony held during the Academy’s 148th annual meeting, where he got a standing ovation after his acceptance speech .
The award goes to Serageldin in high regard of his attempts to combat hunger in developing countries, and in recognition of his tireless efforts to re-establish the importance of science in the Arab and Muslim world. Established in 1914, the medal is presented annually to honor extraordinary use of science for the public good.
The presentation ceremony also saw 13 individuals honored for major contributions to science. During the meeting, members and guests of the NAS participated in sessions on several crucial issues, including climate change impacts and energy solutions. Also on the agenda was a symposium on Neuroscience and the Law.
The National Academy of Sciences is the most prominent scientific organization in the USA. It is a private, nonprofit institution that was established under a congressional charter signed by US President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes achievement in science by election to membership.
Click here to see the NAS news release