William Anderegg, professor of biology and director of the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy at the U, is one of the newest PECASE recipients. 

The PECASE Award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers. The awards are conferred annually at the White House following recommendations from participating agencies. Established by President Clinton in 1996, PECASE recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers. 

The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future.

The White House website reported the names of all 400 awardees, explaining that "From Day One of his Administration, President Biden has recognized the important role that science and technology plays in creating a better society. He made historic progress, increasing federally funded research and development and deploying past research and development at an unprecedented scale through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act."

“I am honored to have received this award,” said Anderegg upon learning of the announcement in mid-January. “As I look over the names and institutions of the other recipients I am struck by the breadth and depth of scientific talent in the U.S. I am humbled to be among them.”

“Bill is thoroughly deserving of this prestigious recognition,” said the U’s College of Science Dean Peter Trapa. “As one of the world’s leading forest ecologists and climate scientists, his research has advanced our understanding of the most important environmental issues of our time.  His leadership of the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy has amplified the impact of scientific research at the U – including his own – through actionable recommendations to government and industry leaders. ” 

Anderegg’s nomination along with 111 other awardees were recommended by the National Science Foundation. "These honorees embody the excellence and innovation that drive STEM education and research forward," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "We are proud to support these educators and scientists whose transformative work inspires students, cultivates a passion for learning and advances the frontiers of discovery. Notably, two of this year's PECASE honorees, Anderegg and Melanie Matchett-Wood, are former winners of the NSF Alan T. Waterman Award, underscoring their exceptional contributions to science and engineering.”

This year’s awardees are employed or funded by 14 participating agencies within the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Interior, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency, the intelligence community, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the Smithsonian Institution.