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ACSH Distinguished Achievement Awardee--Robert L. Bartley

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I first met Bob Bartley approximately twenty-three years ago — and never forget the first question he asked me: "Why don't scientists speak up? Why do they just sit in silence when science is distorted and risks are exaggerated?"

By posing that question, Bob reinforced ACSH's mission — since getting scientists involved in public dialogues was exactly what ACSH was all about. Later during that first meeting, I mentioned to Bob my frustration over the fact that popular magazines regularly edited out — spiked — references to the spectacular negative health consequences of smoking. He looked skeptical but said that if I could find specific, documented examples, he would give me as much of the editorial page as I needed. Within eighteen months, I nailed down two such examples — and he met his part of the bargain, and the commentary "When Time and Newsweek Filtered Cigarette Copy" was published.

In his thirty-year tenure as editor of the WSJ editorial page, Robert Bartley was a champion of sound science. With cutting edge commentaries on subjects as diverse as asbestos, silicone breast implants, and most recently SARS, he consistently championed facts over fears. In recognition of his decades of science-based commentaries, we are pleased to present Robert Bartley with ACSH's Outstanding Contributions in Journalism Award.

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Other Awardees:

Bruce N. Ames, Ph.D.

Norman E. Borlaug, Ph.D.

C. Everett Koop, M.D.

Donald A. Henderson, M.D., M.P.H.

Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D.