Priestley Medal

Priestley Medal Reverse

Priestley Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the American Chemical Society (ACS), named after Joseph Priestley, who is renowned for his discovery of oxygen. The medal recognizes distinguished service to the field of chemistry. Awarded annually, the Priestley Medal honors chemists who have made significant contributions to the chemical sciences. The medal itself features a likeness of Joseph Priestley and is accompanied by a certificate and a gold medallion.

History

The Priestley Medal was established in 1922 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Joseph Priestley. It was first awarded in 1923. Priestley, a British chemist, is best known for his discovery of oxygen gas, which he called "dephlogisticated air." His work laid the foundation for modern chemical science and significantly contributed to the development of chemistry as a systematic science.

Criteria and Selection Process

The recipient of the Priestley Medal is selected by the ACS Board of Directors, based on recommendations from the ACS Division of Professional Relations. Nominees are evaluated based on their outstanding achievements and contributions to the chemical sciences, including research, teaching, service, and leadership within the field of chemistry.

Notable Recipients

Over the years, the Priestley Medal has been awarded to many distinguished chemists. Notable recipients include:

- Linus Pauling (1984), for his research in chemical bonding and his advocacy for peace and against nuclear weapons. - Glenn T. Seaborg (1979), for his contributions to the discovery of transuranium elements. - Ahmed Zewail (2011), for his pioneering work in femtochemistry, which studies chemical reactions on extremely short timescales. - Madeleine M. Joullié (2020), for her contributions to the field of organic chemistry and her efforts in promoting diversity in the chemical sciences.

Impact and Legacy

The Priestley Medal not only honors individual achievements in chemistry but also serves to inspire future generations of chemists. The medal highlights the importance of chemistry in solving global challenges and advancing scientific knowledge. Recipients of the Priestley Medal are role models for young scientists, demonstrating the impact that dedicated researchers can have on the world through their contributions to the chemical sciences.

See Also

- American Chemical Society - Chemistry - Joseph Priestley - Nobel Prize in Chemistry