In 1980, Snyder was appointed the first University Distinguished Service Professor of Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Psychiatry and director of the Department of Neuroscience, positions he still holds today. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the Institute of Medicine of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and a fellow of the American Philosophical Society. He is the recipient of six honorary doctorates and numerous awards.
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RICCARDO GIACCONI, Ph.D.

Co-recipient of the 2002 Nobel Prize in physics, Riccardo Giacconi is considered the father of astronomy research that exploits the X-ray portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. His research opened a new window on scientific understanding of the universe, from its evolution to its component black holes, neutron stars, galaxy clusters and quasars.

More than 40 years ago, Giacconi led the team that discovered the faint, uniform phenomenon known as the cosmic X-ray background. Since then, his work has helped define that background and determine its origin. A long-time leader in astrophysics, Giacconi has been responsible -- in a series of administrative posts -- for the construction and operation of some of the world's most important astronomical observatories. One of those posts brought him to Johns Hopkins in 1981.

"The National Medal of Science is our country's highest recognition of scientific achievement. Through his pioneering work in astronomy and his leadership of the Hubble Space Telescope, Dr. Giacconi has advanced our science, our university, our city and our country," said Jonathan Bagger, physics and astronomy professor and department chair at Johns Hopkins. "I am delighted that his many contributions are being honored by President Bush."

"Riccardo is always a pleasure to work with," added Colin Norman, a professor o
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15-Feb-2005