Garvan–Olin Medal facts for kids

The Francis P. Garvan–John M. Olin Medal is a special award given every year. It celebrates amazing achievements, leadership, and service in the field of chemistry by women chemists. This award used to be called the Francis P. Garvan Medal. The American Chemical Society (ACS) gives out this award. Winners receive a medal and a prize of $5,000. A talented artist named Margaret Christian Grigor designed the medal.

About the Award

Who Can Be Nominated?

To be considered for this award, a chemist must be a woman and a citizen of the United States. Anyone can suggest a deserving chemist for the award each year.

How the Award Started

The award was created in 1936 by Francis Garvan and Mabel Brady Garvan. They wanted to honor their daughter. At first, it was an essay contest that lasted for seven years. The Francis P. Garvan Medal Endowment paid for the award until 1979.

Later, other companies helped support the award. W. R. Grace & Co. helped from 1979 to 1983. Then, Olin Corporation started helping in 1984, which is why "John M. Olin" was added to the name. Mabel Brady Garvan stayed involved with the award until 1967.

This medal is one of the oldest awards given by the American Chemical Society. It was the very first award created specifically to honor women chemists.

Award Winners

Many brilliant women chemists have received this medal over the years. Here are some of the past winners:

See also

In Spanish: Medalla Garvan-Olin para niños

• List of chemistry awards
• List of science and technology awards for women