Virginia's Outstanding Scientist & Industrialist Award Program

About the Awards

On November 12, 1984, the Science Museum of Virginia and the Governor of the commonwealth of Virginia jointly announced the Virginia Outstanding Scientist and Virginia Outstanding Industrialist awards program. Governor Charles S. Robb presented the first awards on March 20, 1985.

The Outstanding Scientist Award honors those scientists who, through their research and commitment to science, have made a recent contribution to basic scientific research, which extends the boundaries of any field of science. This contribution should be easily recognizable as a definite advance of knowledge or a significant technological development.

The Outstanding Industrialist Award is presented to the leaders of Virginia's industrial and technological communities who have made a distinct contribution to a business or industry, which advanced development through the innovative use of science or technology.

Nominees must have a meaningful tie to Virginia, either through birth, work and/or the effect of that work on Virginia. In addition to the annual awards presented to an outstanding scientist and industrialist, an individual may be honored for a lifetime of achievement. The Life Achievement award is not offered annually, but at the discretion of the selection panels. These awards reinforce, underscore and broadcast the commonwealth's commitment to and recognition of the importance of the role of science and technology to improve the world.

In 1998 the Outstanding Scientist Selection Panel announced a new award - The Beverly Orndorff Award for Exceptional Service to Public Understanding of Science. This award is not given on an annual basis, but at the discretion of the Selection Panel.

Selection panels are carefully chosen from a wide variety of sources within the commonwealth. Individuals from major scientific, technological and industrial firms, government agencies, major foundations, universities and colleges, the National Academy of Scientists and NASA all are contacted and asked to participate in this program.

In September nomination applications are sent to businesses, associations, and universities around the commonwealth asking for nominations; in December the panel members meet to make their decision. Winners are introduced to the General Assembly during February, when the awards are publicly announced.

A black-tie banquet and awards program is held in early spring. Winners receive an original medallion designed and crafted by Dan Booten of Richmond. "Allegory of Science and Industry" symbolizes the relationship between nature, science and industry. The four allegorical figures surrounding the piece symbolize earth, water, air and space. The medallion is three inches in diameter and one-quarter inch in thickness.