Professor Niels Bohr (1885–1962) is without a doubt one of the most universally famous Danes ever. He received the Nobel prize in 1922 “for his services in the investigation of the structure of atoms and of the radiation emanating from them.” In 1947 he was conferred the Order of the Elephant, which is normally only awarded to royalties or heads of state.

The Atoms for Peace medal was given by the Ford Foundation to those who had made contributions to the peaceful uses of atomic energy, working for the Benefit of Mankind. Only 10 awards took place, the first in 1957 (Niels Bohr) and the last in 1969 (Dwight D. Eisenhower). An excerpt from the citation given in connection with the presentation reads: “In your profession, in your teaching, in your public life, you have shown that the domain of science and the domain of the humanities are in reality of single realm. In all your career you have exemplified the humility, the wisdom, the humaneness, the intellectual splendor which the Atoms for Peace Award would recognize.” President Eisenhowever should be quoted for saying: “In honoring Dr. Bohr, we pay tribute to a great man, one whose mind has explored the mysteries of the inner structure of the atom, and whose spirit has reached into the very hearts of men.”