Harvard Medical School Professor Receives National Medal of Science

Gregory Petsko recognized for illuminating neurodegenerative diseases

Awards and Recognitions

1 min read

U.S. President Joseph Biden stands in a suit beside Gregory Petsko, a gray-haired white man also in a suit. Petsko wears his new National Medal of Science. Both are smiling. They stand before a gold curtain.
Petsko receives the National Medal of Science from President Biden during a ceremony on Oct. 24. Image: Ryan K. Morris and the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation


Gregory Petsko, Harvard Medical School professor of neurology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has been awarded a 2022 National Medal of Science.

Get more HMS news here

Petsko was honored for advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

His role in founding structural enzymology, along with his commitment to educating the public about brain health, have empowered people around the world and raised the ambitions of the United States regarding aging with dignity, the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation wrote in a news release.

Petsko and 20 other new National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation laureates received their medals from President Biden in a ceremony at the White House on Oct. 23.

Title screen says "Gregory Petsko" in one corner. Three stylized boxes reveal Petsko standing on a dark stage beneath a spotlight, presumably giving a talk
Video: Intelligent Art Media

Established in 1959 by the U.S. Congress, the National Medal of Science is the highest recognition the nation can bestow on scientists and engineers.

The presidential award is given to individuals deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and behavioral sciences, in service to the nation. The program is managed by the National Science Foundation.

Adapted from National Science and Technology Medals Foundation press materials.