The ACS, the world's largest scientific society, extends the award periodically to recognize outstanding contributions to the development of public policy that benefits the chemical sciences. Orbach, former chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, has distinguished himself as an effective advocate for science and as a dedicated public servant, according to the award.
Orbach, in his position of director, manages an organization that is the largest federal sponsor of physical sciences research in the United States. The Office of Science, which funds programs in high energy and basic energy services, nuclear physics, magnetic fusion, biological and environmental research and computational science, is considered one of the premier scientific organizations in the world.
Among his other responsibilities are direction of the Office of Science field organizations and laboratories, including management responsibility for the DOE Chicago and Oak Ridge offices, and site offices associated with the 10 science (non-weapons) laboratories.
In his two years as chief of the science office, Orbach has been a strong proponent of increasing the office's basic research portfolio and plans to make science more prominent within the department. Under his leadership, the Office of Science has devised a strategic plan and a landmark plan for setting priorities for its scientific user facilities. The White House recently praised the office for its sound management priority setting.
The Administration, Congress and the science community also have complimented Orbach for his leadership, understanding and promotion of research issues.