Bernard Lewis Gold Medal

The Bernard Lewis Gold Medal recognizes brilliant research in the field of combustion. The Gold Medal is presented biennially to one scientist during the International Symposium on Combustion.

The Gold Medal is named after Bernard Lewis (1899-1993), a founding member of The Combustion Institute. As a physical chemist in the Chief Explosives and Physical Sciences Division of the U.S. Bureau of Mines in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Lewis was a pioneer in theoretical and experimental combustion research. In this position Lewis directed research in combustion, flames, explosions, and explosives.

After retiring from the U.S. Bureau of Mines in 1953, Lewis organized Combustion and Explosives Research, Inc. to better understand combustion phenomena. He served that organization as president until 1986. The applied work he accomplished in those years was the hallmark of a scientific career that stressed the application of fundamental science as a solution to practical problems. Lewis’ lifetime of work and his passion to help young scientists shaped the modern field of combustion research.

The Bernard Lewis Gold Medal is one of the highest awards of The Combustion Institute, presented biennially during the International Symposium on Combustion. Gold Medals are bestowed upon scientists whose major contributions have significantly advanced their fields of combustion science.

Recipients