Award for Distinguished Public Service

Award for Distinguished Public Service

This award was established by the AMS Council in response to a recommendation from their Committee on Science Policy. The US$4,000 award is presented every two years to a research mathematician who has made a distinguished contribution to the mathematics profession during the preceding five years.

Next award:  January 2010.

Eleventh award, 2008:  To Herbert Clemens for his superb research in complex algebraic geometry, his continuing efforts in education, and his seminal role in the founding and continuation of the Park City/IAS Mathematics Institute.

Tenth award, 2006:  To Roger Howe for his multifaceted contributions to mathematics and to mathematics education.

Ninth award, 2004:  To Richard A. Tapia for inspiring and teaching thousands of people (from elementary school students to senior citizens) to study and appreciate the mathematical sciences.

Eighth award, 2002: Margaret H. Wright for notable contributions to the federal government and the scientific community, and for encouraging women and minority students.

Seventh award, 2000: Paul J. Sally, Jr. for the quality of his research, for his service to the [American Mathematical] Society as Trustee, but more importantly for his many efforts in improvement of mathematics education for the nation's youth and especially for members of minority and underrepresented groups and for his longitudinal mentoring of students, in particular the mathematics majors at Chicago.

Sixth award, 1998: Kenneth C. Millett for his work devoted to underrepresented minority students in the mathematical sciences. Professor Millett founded the University of California, Santa Barbara Achievement Program and directed the mathematics component of the Summer Academic Research Internship and the Summer Institute in Mathematics and Science at UCSB.

Fifth award, 1997: No award made.

Fourth award, 1995: Donald J. Lewis for his many contributions to mathematical education, mathematics policy, and mathematical research and administration during a career that has spanned several decades.

Third award, 1993: Isadore M. Singer in recognition of his outstanding contributions to his profession, to science more broadly, and to the public good by bringing the best of mathematics and his own insights to bear on the activities of the National Academy of Sciences; on committees of the National Research Council, including the two so-called David Committees on the health of the mathematical sciences, and the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy; on the President's Science Advisory Council; on decisions of Congress, through testimony concerning the support of mathematics and mathematical research; and on a host of critical situations over many years in which his wisdom and intervention helped gain a hearing for the problems of his community and the contributions it makes to the nation.

Second award, 1992: Harvey B. Keynes for his multifaceted efforts to revitalize mathematics education, especially for young people.

First award, 1990: Kenneth M. Hoffman for his outstanding leadership in establishing channels of communication between the mathematical community and makers of public policy as well as the general public.