US President Joe Biden honored two Indian-American scientists with the nation's highest scientific awards for their significant contributions to science and technology. Ashok Gadgil received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation while Subra Suresh was awarded the National Medal of Science during a ceremony at the White House's East Room in Washington, DC.

Gadgil was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for “providing life-sustaining resources to communities around the world.”

As President Biden presented the medals to the scientists, the White House made the announcement. “His innovative, inexpensive technologies help meet profound needs, from drinking water to fuel-efficient cookstoves. 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.”

Gadgil, presently engaged with both the University of California Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, has a notable history of accolades, including the Zuckerberg Water Prize, the LBNL Director's Award for Exceptional Achievement in Societal Impact, and the Patents for Humanity Award. Over his extensive career spanning more than three decades, he has dedicated his efforts to addressing critical challenges such as ensuring access to clean drinking water, improving air quality, advancing sustainable energy solutions, and reducing infant mortality.

Suresh was awarded the National Medal of Science for “pioneering research across engineering, physical sciences, and life sciences.”

“A transformative educator, he has advanced the study of material science and its application to other disciplines. His commitment to research and collaboration across borders has demonstrated how science can forge understanding and cooperation among people and nations,” the White House said while President Biden presented the scientist with the medal.

The scientist is presently employed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Brown University, where he conducts research. “nanomechanics of biological cells and molecules, and human disease states; structure-mechanical property-disease connections in the context of P. falciparum malaria, hereditary blood cell disorders and cancer; computational simulations of cellular and molecular deformation and shape thermodynamics; high force optical tweezers studies of biological cells and human disease states; nanostructured materials; and nanoindentation and microindentatio,” as per the university website.

Among the 19 recipients this year, the duo received two prestigious awards. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation, recognized as the highest honor for technological achievement in the United States, acknowledges innovators whose work has bolstered the nation's economy and enhanced the quality of life. This award was initially introduced in 1985 and is managed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The National Medal of Science is bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions in fields encompassing biology, computer sciences, education sciences, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, as well as social, behavioral, and economic sciences. Established in 1959, this award is administered by the US National Science Foundation, as outlined in a White House release.

Image source: India today