There is established a National Medal of Science (hereinafter referred to as the “ medal ”), which shall be of such design and materials and bear such inscriptions as the President, on the basis of recommendations submitted by the National Science Foundation , may prescribe, and shall be awarded as provided in section 1881 of this title . ( Pub. L. 86–209, § 1 , Aug. 25, 1959 , 73 Stat. 431 .) Editorial Notes Codification Section was not enacted as part of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 which comprises this chapter. CFR Title Parts 2 2500