The 2026 National Medal of Science recipients have been announced, with a focus on business executives rather than traditional scientists. Sergey Brin, Jensen Huang, Elon Musk, and Lisa Su, recognized for their managerial skills, played significant roles in executing scientific innovations rather than conducting scientific research themselves.
Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, highlighted the value of the National Medal of Science, stating, “While we in government work to deliver the efforts a new golden age of science will require, we know that scientific progress and technological innovation depend on the insight and character of individuals.”
Critics argue that the selection of these individuals as medal recipients undermines the achievements of true scientists. They also express concern over recent governmental actions that have impacted the scientific community, including the termination or freezing of 7,800 research grants, which they feel contradicts the goal of fostering a “new golden age of science” as stated by the Trump administration.
Steven G. Kellman of Shavano Park, who expressed these views, emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of traditional scientists in the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation.
The announcement comes during a period of significant debate about the relationship between government support for science and the business sector’s influence in academic and research arenas.
