Legacy Gift From a Longtime Science News Reader

摘要

Digital cryptography pioneer Jon Graff started reading Science News in 1974. His love of learning about the latest advances in science, medicine and technology from Science News journalists continued until his death on January 29, 2021. Jon said, "Science News is best at what it does. It's quick; it's lucid; it's intellectually rigorous." He also appreciated its breadth. "As much as I care about life sciences and math," he said, "I have always been fascinated by vertebrate paleontology, and I have learned about advances in all those fields in the magazine." Jon began his career as a biochemistry and cell biology researcher, authoring 17 scientific papers. He then moved into the computer technology field as a cryptographic architect, designing secure systems for Fortune 500 companies. Jon was also awarded a patent for his work in digital communications. He is the author of An Introduction to Modern Cryptography, published in 2000. In 2019, Jon provided funding to establish the Jon C. Graff, PhD, Prize for Excellence in Science Communication, an annual $1,000 award that the Society for Science gives to a scientist for their unique ability to communicate scientific ideas. The winner is selected from Science News' annual SN 10 list, which spotlights 10 early- and mid-career scientists who are breaking ground in their fields and are on their way to widespread acclaim.