The National Science Board established the Vannevar Bush Award in 1980 to honor Dr. Bush's unique contributions to public service. The annual award recognizes an individual who, through public service activities in science and technology, has made an outstanding "contribution toward the welfare of mankind and the Nation." The recipient of the award receives a bronze medal struck in the image of Dr. Bush.
The National Science Board (NSB) established the Public Service Award in November 1996. The annual award recognizes people and organizations that have increased the public understanding of science or engineering. The award may be given to an individual and to a group (company, corporation or organization).