In recognition of transformative careers in geochemistry and ecology, the Biden White House honored University of Minnesota professors R. Lawrence Edwards and David Tilman with the National Medal of Science during a ceremony on January 3 – the nation’s highest recognition for scientists and engineers.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate and honor Professors Edwards and Tilman for their tremendous achievements in pushing the boundaries of science and innovation,” said University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham. “Their unwavering commitment to excellence has enhanced the collective understanding of our planet. The new knowledge they generated and the discoveries they discovered will play a key role in shaping a better future for generations to come. Our reputation as a leading public research university – with strengths in climate science and sustainability – is a direct reflection of Professors Edwards and Tilman, who use their experience and expertise to find solutions to some of the biggest challenges impacting our state, our nation and the world. »
Edwards, Regents and McKnight University Distinguished Professor in the College of Science and Engineering, is a renowned isotope geochemist known for his role in the development of modern uranium-thorium dating methods, which transformed our understanding of climatic history of the Earth and ocean chemistry. His work helps explain the causes of abrupt climate change and the rapid melting of ice sheets at the end of glacial cycles, laying the foundation for navigating our climate future. Using a new combination of data from cave deposits, ocean sediments and ice cores, Edwards established patterns of climate change in time and space, leading to the strongest evidence yet this day of human-induced climate change.
Tilman, Regents Professor of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior in the College of Biological Sciences, is the world’s most cited ecologist and a biodiversity pioneer, known for bringing together mathematics and biology to understand how different plant species interact to create diverse communities. . HAS Cedar Creek Ecosystem Scientific Reservea world-renowned ecology research site of which he was previously director, Tilman explored the crucial question of how human impacts on nature come back to affect us. Tilman’s research has informed global strategies to preserve the integral functions of nature, such as purifying air and water, in the face of human impacts such as habitat destruction, spread of invasive species and climate change.
Edwards and Tilman are also members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Science. This year, they join a class of 14 new winners of the prestigious National Medal of Science. University of Minnesota professors Norman Borlaug and Leonid Hurwicz previously won the National Medal of Science for their contributions to plant pathology (2004) and economics (1990).
Established by Congress in 1959 and administered by the National Science Foundation, the National Medal of Science is the highest honor the nation can bestow on scientists and engineers. The Presidential Award is given to individuals for outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and behavioral sciences.
For more information, please see the National Foundation for Scientific and Technological Medals.
R. Lawrence Edwards highlight of the video, photos of the ceremony
David Tilman highlight of the video, photos of the ceremony
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