Exploring the Uncharted: Stanford’s John Hennessy Receives Vannevar Bush Award for Advancements in Technology and STEM Education

John Hennessy, Stanford’s former president from 2000 to 2016, has been selected as the recipient of the National Science Board’s (NSB) 2024 Vannevar Bush Award. This prestigious award, named in memory of Vannevar Bush, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to science and technology throughout their lives.

Dario Gil, chair of the Board’s External Engagement Committee and senior vice president and director of IBM research, expressed excitement about honoring Hennessy with this award. He praised Hennessy for his groundbreaking work in computer architecture and his commitment to developing the future science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce. According to Gil, these accomplishments embody the values of Vannevar Bush.

Vannevar Bush was a renowned figure in the field of science and technology who led the U.S Office of Scientific Research and Development during World War II and played a key role in establishing the National Science Foundation. In receiving this award, Hennessy emphasized his passion for continuous learning and exploration, referencing Bush’s belief that science is the gateway to new frontiers.

Currently, Hennessy holds positions as chairman of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, and as the Shriram Family Director of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford. The formal presentation of the Vannevar Bush Award to Hennessy will take place on May 1st at 2024 at the National Science Foundation Awards Gala at the Renwick Gallery in Washington D.C..