Bloembergen Wins Medal of Science, Ford Makes Award

Nicolaas Bloembergen, Rumford Professor of Physics, last month received the National Medal of Science for "high standards of scientific achievement."

Bloembergen yesterday called the national award, which carries no stipend, "the highest distinction I have received to date."

He also said he feels that the reinstitution of the award, which was not given during three years of former President Nixon's administration, may signal a renewed federal interest in science.

The possibility of added federal funding for scientific research was a subject of President Ford's presentation remarks when 13 American scientists received the awards on September 18.

Bloembergen, who was on tour in the People's Republic of China until last Saturday, was unable to attend the ceremonies at the White House. His wife and children accepted the medal in his absence.

George F. Carrier, Coolidge Professor of Applied Mathematics and acting dean for the Division of Engineering and Applied Physics, said yesterday that he is glad that Bloembergen got the "recognition that he deserves." But Carrier said he doubts Congress will approve any new federal funding for scientific research.

The President's Committee on the National Medal of Science praised Bloembergen for his "pioneering application of magnetic resonance." The committee also commended him for "scientific inventions and investigation concerning the interaction of matter with coherent radiation."

According to Bloembergen, some of his work in magnetic resonance has found widespread application in chemical and biochemical analysis as well as in other fields.