Communications of the ACM
Obama Honors Nation's Top Scientists and Innovators
On September 27, 2011, President Obama named five inventors as recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and seven eminent researchers as recipients of the National Medal of Science, the highest honors bestowed by the United States government on scientists, engineers, and inventors. The recipients will receive their awards at a White House ceremony later this year.
"Each of these extraordinary scientists, engineers, and inventors is guided by a passion for innovation, a fearlessness even as they explore the very frontiers of human knowledge, and a desire to make the world a better place," President Obama said. "Their ingenuity inspires us all to reach higher and try harder, no matter how difficult the challenges we face."
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation was created by statute in 1980 and is administered for the White House by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The award recognizes those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness and quality of life and helped strengthen the nation's technological workforce. Nominees are selected by a distinguished independent committee representing the private and public sectors.
The National Medal of Science was created by statute in 1959 and is administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation. Awarded annually, the Medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science and engineering.
Winners of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation are:
- Rakesh Agrawal, Purdue University, IN. For an extraordinary record of innovations in improving the energy efficiency and reducing the cost of gas liquefaction and separation. These innovations have had significant positive impacts on electronic device manufacturing, liquefied gas production, and the supply of industrial gases for diverse industries.
- B. Jayant Baliga, North Carolina State University, NC. For development and commercialization of the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor and other power semiconductor devices that are extensively used in transportation, lighting, medicine, defense, and renewable energy generation systems.
- C. Donald Bateman, Honeywell. For developing and championing critical flight-safety sensors now used by aircraft worldwide, including ground proximity warning systems and wind-shear detection systems.
- Yvonne C. Brill, RCA Astro Electronics. For innovation in rocket propulsion systems for geosynchronous and low earth orbit communication satellites, which greatly improved the effectiveness of space propulsion systems.
- Michael F. Tompsett, TheraManager. For pioneering work in materials and electronic technologies including the design and development of the first charge-coupled device (CCD) imagers.
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