Nambu, Vail Receive Franklin Medals

This month the Philadelphia-based Franklin Institute will present Benjamin Franklin Medals to two individuals pursuing physics-related research.

Yoichiro Nambu is receiving the 2005 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics for “his pathbreaking contributions leading to our modern understanding of sub-atomic particles—the standard model,” writes the institute. “His work has revolutionized our ideas about the nature of the most fundamental particles and the space through which they move.” Nambu is the Harry Pratt Judson Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the University of Chicago’s physics department and Enrico Fermi Institute.

The 2005 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Earth and Environmental Science is going to Peter R. Vail, W. M. Ewing Professor of Geology and Geophysics at Rice University, “for his pioneering and innovative ideas for using seismic reflections to identify sequences of subsurface rock layers,” which has greatly enhanced exploration for oil-containing rock. The citation also acknowledges his contribution to the understanding of Earth’s geological history through his recognition that “similar changes in the rock record appear worldwide and can be attributed to global changes in sea level.”

The awards ceremony on 21 April marks the culmination of Awards Week at the institute. Other activities that week include a “meet the scientists” program, special exhibits at the institute’s science museum, and an array of lectures, symposia, and discussions.