February 10, 2009

Who are the 10 most important people working in science in 2009?

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Readers, we'd like your recommendations.

Following up on our long-running Scientific American 50 series, we’re looking for 10 individuals who during the past year have demonstrated exceptional leadership and accomplishment in guaranteeing that future technologies will be applied to the benefit of humanity.

Here’s what you can do to help: Nominate researchers, engineers, business executives, and government and legal officials whose work has led to, or laid the groundwork for, important change. In the past, we’ve honored everyone from stem cell pioneers Kevin Eggan and Shinya Yamanaka (2006) to insurer Swiss Re (2006) to Fred Kavli, of the foundation that bears his name (2005). (We also cop to our mistakes: In 2005, we honored Woo-Suk Hwang, the now-disgraced stem cell researcher, but removed his name as soon as his fraud was uncovered.)

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

The nominees’ efforts may (and most likely will) stretch out over many years, but to be eligible, the nominees will need to have reached some significant landmark of accomplishment during the past year: the development of a working prototype; passage of a law; introduction of a new service, etc. Previous winners are eligible for consideration but not for accomplishments that are substantially the same or closely related to those that previously placed them among the Scientific American 10.

For a look at past honorees, see our 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004Scientific American 50. In the weeks before our June issue – which will feature this year’s winners -- hits newsstands, we’ll be profiling winners from years past: “Where Are They Now?”

In the meantime, leave a comment on this post with your picks, send us a message on Twitter, or email us at editors@sciam.com. We look forward to your nominations.

photo by Aero17 via iStockphoto

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American