Professor Charles P. Slichter is one of eight Americans to win the 2007 National Medal of Science. The award was announced by President George W. Bush on August 25, and presented in a White House ceremony on September 29.
Professor Slichter was recognized "for establishing nuclear magnetic resonance as a powerful tool to reveal the fundamental molecular properties of liquids and solids. His inspired teaching has led generations of physicists and chemists to develop a host of modern technologies in condensed matter physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine."
The National Medal of Science, the country's highest honor for scientists, recognizes individuals for pioneering scientific research in a range of fields, including physical, biological, mathematical, social, behavioral, and engineering sciences. National Medal of Science laureates have enhanced our understanding of the world and given rise to innovations and technologies that have changed our lives. The award, which was established by Congress in 1959, was presented by President Bush on Monday morning, September 29, in the East Room of the White House.
Internationally recognized for his contributions to condensed matter physics, Slichter is one of the world's top research scientists in the area of magnetic resonance and has been a leading innovator in applications of resonance techniques to elucidating the structure of matter. His deep physical insight and elegant experimental mastery have allowed him to make seminal contributions to an extraordinarily broad range of problems of great theoretical interest and technological importance in physics and chemistry.