“In exchange for freedom of inquiry, scientists are obliged to explain their work. If science is considered a closed priesthood, too difficult and arcane for the average person to understand, the dangers of abuse are greater. But if science is a topic of general interest and concern — if both its delights and its social consequences are discussed regularly and competently in the schools, the press, and at the dinner table — we have greatly improved our prospects for learning how the world really is and for improving both it and us.”
– Carl Sagan, Broca’s Brain, 1979
Previous Recipients
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- Pascal Lee 2023
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- Peter Chin-Hong 2022
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- Alison Gopnik 2021
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- Matthew Walker 2020
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- Dan Werthimer 2019
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- Peter H Gleick 2018
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- Jennifer Doudna 2017
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- Gibor Basri 2016
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- Seth Shostak 2015
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- Donald Kennedy 2010
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- Geoff Marcy 2009
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- Robert Sapolsky 2008
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- Keith Devlin 2007
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- Paul Berg 2006
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- Jill Tarter 2005
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- Alex Filippenko 2004
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- Kevin Padian 2003
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- Andy Fraknoi 2002
- Have contributed wonderfully to the public understanding and appreciation of science.
- Be associated with the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Have a history of accomplishment in scientific research.
The Carl Sagan Prize for Science Popularization is generously underwritten by Wonderfest’s Patrons and Donors. Every one of those thoughtful benefactors helps to “enlarge the concept of scientific community” through Wonderfest’s Sagan Prize.
