Press Statement 06-002
NSF Supported 2006 Physics and Economics Nobel Work
Statement of congratulations by NSF director Arden L. Bement, Jr.
October 17, 2006
On behalf of the National Science Foundation, I congratulate the 2006 Nobel laureates in science on their remarkable achievements. This year's laureates represent the diverse range of American expertise and a deep commitment to scientific discovery. NSF is especially pleased to have funded this year's winners in physics and economics.
The Nobel Prize in Physics for 2006 was awarded jointly to John C. Mather and George F. Smoot for their studies of the infant universe and contributions to a better understanding of the origin of stars and galaxies. Using the Cosmic Background Explorer satellite launched by NASA in 1989, they analyzed cosmic microwave background radiation, which is a relic of the "big bang." Detection of extremely small variations in the temperature of the radiation offered a clue to the distribution of matter in the early universe. NSF supported Smoot's research for more than 20 years.
The Nobel Prize in Economics for 2006 was awarded to Edmund S. Phelps for his work that challenged the prevailing view of the relationship between inflation and unemployment represented by the Phillips curve. His research led to a better understanding of the short-term and long-term effects of economic policy. The Columbia University professor received a number of NSF research grants in the 1970s and 1980s.
Established "to promote the progress of science," NSF supports fundamental research in many disciplines. Since 1950, Nobel Prizes have been awarded to about 170 U.S. and U.S.-based researchers supported by NSF grants at some point in their careers.
Most laureates devote decades to their research before it is recognized. Americans can be proud of the dedication and innovation these pioneers bring to science.
A complete list of NSF-funded Nobel Prize winners through 2006 is posted at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=100683.
Dana Topousis, National Science Foundation, (703) 292-7750, firstname.lastname@example.org
George F. Smoot Web page: http://aether.lbl.gov/
Edmund S. Phelps Web Page: http://www.columbia.edu/~esp2/
Nobel Foundation Release on Physics Prize: http://bit.ly/1UNrNlz
Nobel Foundation Release on Economics Prize: http://bit.ly/22hYdUm
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2016, its budget is $7.5 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 48,000 competitive proposals for funding and makes about 12,000 new funding awards. NSF also awards about $626 million in professional and service contracts yearly.
Get News Updates by Email
Useful NSF Web Sites:
NSF Home Page: http://www.nsf.gov
NSF News: http://www.nsf.gov/news/
For the News Media: http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsroom.jsp
Science and Engineering Statistics: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/
Awards Searches: http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/