Robert “Bob” Conn, dean emeritus of the Jacobs School of Engineering and professor emeritus of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego, was recently honored with the 2025 Vannevar Bush Award from the National Science Board. This prestigious award, given annually since 1980, recognizes exceptional leadership in science and technology. Conn is celebrated not only for his academic leadership but also for his pioneering contributions to fusion energy research and national science policy. He is among only three individuals to receive both the Vannevar Bush Award from the NSF and the Simon Ramo Founders Award from the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).
During his time leading UC San Diego’s engineering programs—culminating in the renaming of the Jacobs School in 1998—Conn helped transform the school into one of the top-ranked engineering institutions in the country. He played a key role in establishing interdisciplinary research centers focused on areas like wireless communications and biomedical engineering, and he significantly strengthened the university’s infrastructure for fusion research. His leadership helped shape UC San Diego’s identity as a center of innovation and technical excellence.
Beyond his accomplishments on campus, Conn co-founded the Science Philanthropy Alliance in 2012, an organization that encourages private support for basic scientific research. He has also served on numerous national science boards and government advisory committees, continuing to advocate for sustained investment in research and development as a driver of long-term economic growth and public well-being.