The Franklin Institute, inspired by the legacy of Henry Bower, a Philadelphia chemical manufacturer and philanthropist, and furthering its tradition started in the 19th century, is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding distinguished contributions to the international scientific and business leadership communities. It continues this legacy through presenting awards such as the Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science and the Bower Award for Business Leadership, emphasizing the importance of scientific innovation and leadership in business.
The Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science is an annual recognition program bestowing a 14k gold medal and a cash prize of $250,000. It celebrates a distinguished member of the international scientific community who has made significant contributions within a prescribed discipline that varies each year. For the year 2025, the award seeks nominations of individuals whose scientific endeavors have notably advanced the development of policies and approaches for ecosystem restoration and mitigating ecosystem degradation. This initiative aligns with the United Nations' declaration of the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), underscoring the urgent need to prevent, halt, and reverse ecosystem degradation worldwide, a critical step to ending poverty, fighting climate change, and preventing extinctions. Nominations should highlight the nominee's contribution to either fundamental or application-oriented science that has had a broad impact, including the innovative, technical, and/or conceptual significance of their work, along with its societal and economic implications.