Since 1824, The Franklin Institute of Philadelphia has honored the legacy of Benjamin Franklin by presenting awards for outstanding achievements in science, engineering, and industry. Past laureates include Thomas Edison, Marie Curie, Claude Shannon, Jane Goodall, Nikola Tesla, Stephen Hawking, Edward Lorenz, the Wright Brothers, Bill Gates, and Albert Einstein.

The Franklin Institute is pleased to announce The Franklin Institute Awards Class of 2020! We hope you will join us in congratulating our newest laureates for their remarkable achievements during The Franklin Institute Awards Week—April 27–30, 2020.

Kunihiko Fukushima, 2020 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science
Arthur D. Levinson, 2020 Bower Award for Business Leadership
Roberto Car and Michele Parrinello, 2020 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry
Barbara H. Partee, 2020 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Computer and Cognitive Science
Monica G. Turner, 2020 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Earth and Environmental Science
Jeremy Nathans, 2020 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science
C. Daniel Mote, 2020 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Mechanical Engineering
Henry C. Kapteyn and Margaret M. Murnane, 2020 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics

Now in its 196th year, The Franklin Institute Awards pays tribute to our namesake and America’s first great scientist, Benjamin Franklin, by honoring the greatest minds in science, engineering, and industry. Our newest laureates are making our world safer, healthier, and more connected. They made revolutionary advances in laser technology, learned how forests recover from fires, uncovered the mechanisms behind color vision, and laid the foundation for artificial intelligence. Their work enables technologies never before thought possible and helps us better understand our planet and ourselves. They are mentors and role models for the next generation of science and engineering trailblazers. They are creating a better future for us all.

The Franklin Institute Awards Ceremony and Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2020. For event information, click here.
 

The Franklin Institute Awards Ceremony and Dinner is presented by

The black-tie gala is one of Philadelphia’s “can’t miss events” and tickets are on sale now!

Learn More

The long, distinguished history of The Franklin Institute Awards Program dates back to 1824. Learn more about some of our notable laureates.

On April 11, 2019, The Franklin Institute presented eight awards for outstanding achievements in science, engineering, and industry.