Since 1987, the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology has recognized the distinguished service, significant achievements, and positive economic impact of individuals and companies to the state of Utah and beyond in science and technology.
Medal recipients provide meaningful scientific, research, STEM education, or deep technology contributions.
Nominations are accepted in one of three categories:
- Academic/Research
- Education – K-12
- Industry – Individual or Company
Public nominations for the prestigious awards were presented at the One Utah Summit at The Grand America Hotel on Apr. 12, 2024.
The Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology recognizes individuals, companies, and organizations that provided distinguished service and positive economic impact to the state of Utah and beyond.
Utah is deeply committed to creating and sustaining a solid scientific and technological base for its educational and economic development. Much of the success of Utah’s industry is due to technological achievements that occurred in Utah and to the caliber of scientists and science educators residing in Utah.
The state showcases and publicly recognizes talented individuals who contributed to Utah’s science and technology achievements in the form of an award from the Governor's Office. The Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology was selected as a symbol of the accomplishments in these areas.
The Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology administration is the responsibility of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. A volunteer review committee evaluates nominations, and awards are presented annually at the One Utah Summit.
The Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology recognizes the total impact of the recipient’s contributions to the state in science and technology. It's not simply a scientific achievement award. For this reason, there are many factors considered when selecting award recipients. The award recognizes the unique contributions of individuals, companies, and organizations working, over time, on matters of importance to the state. Awards are shared across the industrial, educational, and business sectors.
Nomination categories include:
- Academic/Research
- Education – K-12
- Industry – Individual or Company
Academic/Research
For members of the faculty or administration of higher education institutions who distinguished themselves in the field of science, engineering, or other technologies, these additional factors should be considered:
- Quality of research activities
- The extent of recognition by peers
- Recognition as an educator
- Personal research and science achievements
Education – K-12
For science teachers in Utah’s elementary and secondary schools, science communicators, and other individuals who made notable contributions to science education, these additional factors should be considered:
- Degree of national or local recognition as a science educator
- Involvement in innovative science education activities outside of the classroom
- Other awards received in recognition of teaching achievements
- Personal research and science achievements
Industry – Individual or Company
For the individual categories (engineers, scientists, technologists, and technology managers within Utah’s industry) and the company category, these additional factors should be considered:
- Quality of scientific or engineering achievement
- Significance of technical contributions, including patents, know-how, and other intellectual property
- The economic impact on Utah
- Distinguished achievements in the management of technology
For additional information, please contact innovationutah@utah.gov.