The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) in Corona, New York, has been selected by the National Science Board (NSB) as one of two recipients of its Science and Society Award, which honors individuals and groups that have made substantial contributions in the arts, media, education, or training programs to increase public understanding and appreciation of science and engineering in the United States.

Also being honored is the National Academy of Engineering for its EngineerGirl website, which nurtures a more inclusive community for budding young female engineers.

NYSCI was recognized for “its inventive approach to promoting informal and equitable science and technology learning” and was called a “global leader in STEM education and an incubator for new forms of learning.” In addition to the 400,000 visitors it serves annually, NYSCI has a deep commitment to its community, including through the creation of a science-themed preschool in 2002 which serves more than 200 students from the local Corona neighborhood. NYSCI also hosts the Science Career Ladder program, which is a comprehensive youth and workforce development initiative to engage high school and college students who have been historically underrepresented in STEM careers.

In a release, NYSCI’s President and CEO Margaret Honey explained that “We want to give people the opportunity to explore and use scientific methods in a similar way to how scientists work in real life…. Our science center has a deep focus on building experiences that are both joyful and relevant.”

The Science and Society Award will be formally presented on May 9 during the National Science Foundation’s Awards Gala at the National Air and Space Museum.

NYSCI is the latest in a series of science centers to be honored with the award, which was formerly known as the NSB Public Service Award. Previous recipients include the American Museum of Natural History (2015), the Exploratorium (2011), and the National Center for Technological Literacy at the Museum of Science, Boston (2005).

ASTC was also honored with the Public Service Award in 2006. And Kathryn D. Sullivan, then President and CEO of COSI in Columbus, Ohio, received an individual award in 2003.

Recipients are selected by the National Science Board, a Presidentially-appointed body which serves as the governing board for the National Science Foundation and advisor to Congress and the President on policy matters relevant to STEM research and STEM education.

Additional Information

• National Science Board. “Two Innovative Efforts Earn the National Science Board Science and Society Award,” May 2, 2023.
• NSB Science and Society Award.
• National Science Board.