Lane named as 2008 AIP Karl T. Compton Medal winner for leadership role in physics

Neal F. Lane is the 2009 recipient of the Karl T. Compton Medal for Leadership in Physics. The citation reads, “The Karl T. Compton Medal for Leadership in Physics is awarded to Neal F. Lane in recognition of his leadership and service to the physics community and to science; for serving as a model ‘civic scientist'; for his advocacy of public understanding of science and technology; and for his championship of scientific research and education. “

A distinguished scientist and educator, Lane has been in public service most of his career. He has worked on review and advisory committees for federal and state agencies and with many scientific and professional organizations. From 1993 to 98, he served as director of NSF and a member of the National Science Board. From 1998 to 2001, during the Clinton administration, he was the assistant to the president for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Lane has been affiliated with Rice University in Houston, Texas, since 1966. He is the Malcolm Gillis University Professor there and holds appointments in the department of physics and astronomy and as a senior fellow of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. He is a fellow of APS, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Association for Women in Science. He is also a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers.

The Karl Taylor Compton Medal for Leadership in Physics was established by the American Institute of Physics in 1957 for "...occasional conferment upon some distinguished physicist who has made an outstanding contribution to physics. The award should be given not necessarily for distinguished research, but for outstanding statesmanship in science.” The award is named for Karl Taylor Compton in honor of his service to the physics community.

Intended primarily for U.S. physicists, the award is given every four years and consists of a medal, a certificate, and a cash award of $10,000. The award is supported by a restricted/endowed fund.