E. Gail de Planque Medal

Description

The E. Gail de Planque Medal recognizes exemplary accomplishments by a woman in the fields of nuclear science and engineering. This award is intended to recognize outstanding lifetime or singular achievements by women that have resulted in tangible benefits to the field of nuclear science and engineering. The award is to be given to a woman whose work in the field of engineering, education, research or public policy meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Outstanding technical leadership for work performed in her subject area (e.g., establishing a new curriculum)
• Leader of a major research, design, construction, or operations effort
• Accomplishment in the field of public policy affecting nuclear science and technology.

Nominees may be from any nation, but they must not be deceased at the time the awardee is selected and need not be ANS members, but should be affiliated with the nuclear community in some manner.

The award may be presented to one or more individuals at the Winter Meeting of the Society. It consists of a bronze medallion, $5,000 monetary award*, and compensation (up to $1,500) for travel expenses incurred in attending the award presentation.

*In lieu of a cash award, recipients can opt for travel reimbursement up to the award amount.

Background

This award has been established in honor of the late E. Gail de Planque, former NRC commissioner and first female president of the American Nuclear Society, who achieved many firsts for women in nuclear science. Dr. de Planque was actively involved in a variety of organizations for the peaceful advancement of nuclear energy and was the recipient of several national awards in honor of her visionary leadership in nuclear science, including ANS Fellow, the Outstanding Woman Scientist of the Year award from the New York Metropolitan Chapter of the Association for Women in Science in 1991 and the ANS Henry DeWolf Smyth Award for Nuclear Statesmanship in 2003. Dr. de Planque served as a commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and was later Director of the United States Department of Energy's Environmental Measurements Laboratory. Her strong scientific background was key in influencing and understanding public policy on nuclear and environmental issues. The award is funded by a contribution from the trust of E. Gail de Planque in 2011.

Selection Method

Nominations must include the completed nomination form accompanied by the following supporting documents:

• A letter of recommendation from the nominator
• A narrative summary of about 1,000 words, including accomplishments, period of activity, and significance of achievements
• A list of publications, patents and/or other evidence of accomplishments (as applicable)
• A brief chronological resume
• Three (3) letters of support are required (no more than five)

Nomination forms and supporting documents (in Word or Adobe Acrobat) should be emailed to honors@ans.org.