[2] Since 1824, the institute has recognized "world-changing scientists, engineers, inventors, and industrialists—all of whom reflect Benjamin Franklin's spirit of curiosity, ingenuity, and innovation".

[3] Some of the noted past laureates include Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Marie Curie, Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking.

[3] Some of the 21st century laureates of the institute awards are Bill Gates,[4] James P. Allison, Indra Nooyi, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Blackburn, George Church,[5] Robert S. Langer, and Alex Gorsky.

[2] Medalists are selected by a Committee on Science and the Arts (CS&A), composed of local academics and professionals from the Philadelphia area.

The following table lists laureates of the Benjamin Franklin Medal (including the Bower Prizewinners), from 1998 onwards.