The recipient of the 2023 Eugene G. Fubini Award, Ms. Natalie Crawford, was recognized on October 3, 2024, at a Defense Science Board event in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes. The award, signed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, was presented by the Honorable Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in recognition of Ms. Crawford’s significant technical contributions to the Department of Defense (DoD) in an advisory capacity.

The Eugene G. Fubini Award annually recognizes an individual from the private sector who has made highly significant contributions to the DoD in an advisory capacity over a sustained period of time.
Ms. Crawford’s contributions have been pivotal in advancing the Department’s operations and missions. Ms. Crawford is a distinguished leader and member of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). She has been a member of the DAF SAB for a total of over 20 years, spanning across 40 years, including service as the SAB Co-Chair from 1996 to 1999. In her time with the DAF SAB, she has guided dozens of SAB studies for the Secretary of the Air Force, providing independent, expert advice to senior decision makers.

The Eugene G. Fubini Award was established in 1996 by then-Secretary of Defense William J. Perry. Additional information on past Eugene G. Fubini Award winners and the Defense Science Board is available at dsb.cto.mil.