HKS honors Alice M. Rivlin and Harold Varmus at awards dinner

Eminent economist, cabinet official, and author Alice M. Rivlin and distinguished scientist and Nobel Prize winner Harold Varmus were honored during a dinner on Nov. 3, hosted by Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Dean David T. Ellwood.

Rivlin, who served in several presidential administrations and as vice chair of the Federal Reserve Board, was presented the Richard E. Neustadt Award, bestowed annually to an individual who has created powerful solutions to public problems, drawing on research and intellectual ideas as appropriate.

Varmus, former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and co-recipient of a Nobel Prize for studies of the genetic basis of cancer, received the Thomas C. Schelling Award, bestowed annually to an individual whose remarkable intellectual work has had a transformative impact on public policy.

Both winners also receive a $25,000 prize.

“These awards are given in the names of two people who were central to the creation of the modern Kennedy School,” said Ellwood. “It is in their spirit that we recognize this year’s remarkable recipients, both of whom are highly accomplished in their fields, and who have furthered scientific knowledge and understanding while serving the public good. We are proud to honor their extraordinary contributions.”

To read the full story, visit the Harvard Kennedy School Web site.