10 May 2024
On 3 May 2024, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr Jane Rigby, Senior Project Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
Dr Rigby’s Award citation reads “Jane Rigby, an astronomer who grew up in Delaware, is the chief scientist of the world’s most powerful telescope. A prolific researcher, Dr. Rigby embodies the American spirit of adventure and wonder.”