President Joe Biden awards Ashok Gardgil with a National Medal of Technology and Innovation during a white house ceremony. (Image Credit: Ryan K. Morris/ National Science and Technology Medals Foundation)
During a white house ceremony on October 23rd, nineteen people received the highest technological and scientific awards from Joe Biden for accomplishments in their fields. The president provided ten people with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, recognizing them for their efforts toward the country's economy and quality of life. Meanwhile, nine individuals received the National Medal of Science for their efforts in scientific fields.
"The National Medal of Science is given for outstanding contributions to the knowledge -- to knowledge in the sciences, and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for outstanding contributions to the promotion of technology for the improvement of the economic, environmental, and social and -- and social well-being of the United States," Biden said.
These awardees made varying achievements, like developing methods to fight the opioid crisis, improving food security, creating life-saving medical treatments, and more. Biden even believes these innovations will inspire future generations of American inventors.
MIT James Fujimoto, Professor in Electrical Engineering and principal investigator in the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE), is a co-recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. RLE research affiliate and mentor for the MIT Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation Eric Swanson and professor of ophthalmology at Oregon Health and Science University David Huang also received this award. They invented optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive tech that produces high-res images of soft tissues via reflected light.
Immunotherapy pioneer Steven A. Rosenburg received a National Medal of Technology and Innovation for helping progress a cancer-fighting technique via the patient's immune system. His work also resulted in the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved cancer immunotherapy treatment. "By leading the development of the first effective immunotherapies, he has saved countless lives and inspired a generation of scientists," Biden said. "His work powerfully illustrates that we can do big things as Americans."
Biden also presented Professor Emeritus of civil and environmental engineer Ashok Gadgil with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for creating cost-effective solutions the developing world faces. He invented advanced arsenic removal technology and technology for safe, drinkable water like UV Waterworks. "His innovative, inexpensive technologies help meet profound needs, from drinking water to fuel-efficient cookstoves," Biden said. "His work is inspired by a belief in the dignity of all people and in our power to solve the great challenges of our time."
Have a story tip? Message me at: http://twitter.com/Cabe_Atwell