We’re proud to share that Science Philanthropy Alliance President France A. Córdova has been named the 2026 recipient of the Nierenberg Prize for Science in the Public Interest, presented annually by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.
The prize recognizes outstanding contributions to science in the public interest—a distinction that reflects France’s remarkable career as an astrophysicist, scientific leader, and steadfast champion for discovery.
Throughout her career, France has helped advance science from many vantage points. Her research has contributed to our understanding of X-ray and gamma ray sources and space-borne instrumentation. She served as NASA’s chief scientist—the youngest person and first woman to hold the role—and later led the National Science Foundation. She has also held leadership positions at several major research universities, including serving as president of Purdue University. Today, as president of the Science Philanthropy Alliance, she continues that commitment by helping strengthen philanthropic support for discovery science and the people and ideas that drive it.
France will receive the prize and deliver a free public lecture at Scripps on October 22. Her talk, “Vanishing Darkness: Preserving Our Window to the Universe,” will explore the growing impact of satellite constellations on our ability to observe the night sky and the need to balance technological innovation with scientific stewardship.
We are delighted to see France’s lifelong commitment to science, discovery, and public service recognized with this honor.